Elaine O. Poole

ELAINE ODEAL (FORRESTER) POOLE (affectionately known as Lainey or Poole) was born here in Baltimore, MD., on December 28, 1938, in John Hopkins Hospital to the late Wilbur Edward Forrester, Sr. and the late Odeal Thomas- Spady (William F. Spady, decd.).She departed this life on August 13, 2024, after a recurring illness.

Elaine was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and was a graduate of Dunbar High School. Shorty after graduation Elaine married Ralph Poole and, became a housewife and the mother of five boys. Her early marriage resulted in divorce which left her to raise her five boys into young men. Poole, accomplished this with the help of her friend and soulmate Milton Butler who preceded her in death. Not only did she take care of her five boys she also cared for family member children and children within the neighbor by babysitting and helping out in any way she could. It was like one more, two more, three more or even four more children didn't matter-house was small, but there was always enough room for more. Each and every one of the children felt very special because of the TIME and LOVE she gave and shared with them.

Elaine, devoted her time and energy to being a very faithful member of the Power House World Ministries Church, on Belair Road. Her faith in GOD was always believing that HE would ALWAYS take care of her through it all. She knew God as her personal savior.

Elaine, enjoyed sewing, bowling, playing cards and listening to oldies but goodies. At one point she was also a Den mother for the boy scouts of America. Her best friend Carrie whom she would bowl with, play cards and listen to those oldies with preceded her in death. Back in the day for Easter, she would sew her sons, suits without a pattern or sewing machine-they would be made with tiny hand stitches. Poole made things happen, she could and would stretch a dollar.

Poole, would prepare her Sunday meals on Saturday. Her sweet potato pies were to die for. Cooking great meals was just another past time which she enjoyed. Having to raise boys into men wasn't easy.

As Lainey's / Poole's boys were growing up into young men and didn't require as much attention, she embarked on finding employment, first at Long Green Nursing Home (6 years) and later a career with the Department of Social Services, where she worked for over 33 years before retiring.

Poole, also enjoyed spending time with all of her grandchildren, each one knowingly/feeling that they were the favorite of them all. They all were the "Apple of her eye".

She was preceded in death by five of her siblings and two of her sons, siblings: Ronald Forrester, William T. Spady, Sr., Mertina Williams, Wilbur E. Forrester, Jr., and most recently Melvina Dowdy.

Her two sons who preceded her in death were Norman Poole and Ralph (Poppa) Poole.:'

Lainey / Poole, leaves to  cherish her memories three sons, Tyrone, Jerome and Darnell Poole; 19 grandchildren, Elaine, Tasha, Sharron, Latarsha (Nate), Brandon, Briana, Tyrone, Darnell, Dameka, Candice, Cedric, Caira, Jerome (Keisha), Tavian (Michelle), Jermar, Jaden, Damien, Andrea and Sheerae, 52 great grandchildren, Lady Bug being the last great grandchild she cared for was the love of her life. Poole also leaves 30 great great grandchildren.

One sister Andrea T. Forrester and one brother Alphonso F. Spady (Marie) along with a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.