Theresa Whitehead Poole

Theresa Whitehead Poole was born on December 22, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, to proud parents, Rufus Alexander Whitehead, Sr. and Minnie Ree Jones. Growing up in the heart of Detroit, Theresa’s life was filled with family, faith, and a strong sense of responsibility. Her childhood nickname was “Bug,” a name given to her by her father, though no one ever quite knew why. Theresa was one of four children - one of three daughters — and the proud sister to Rufus Whitehead, Jr. Her sister Dorothy, lovingly known as “Cookie,” shared countless childhood memories, including their Saturday morning jobs. From an early age, Theresa carried a gentle spirit and an unshakable determination. As teenagers, Theresa and her siblings spent Saturdays cleaning at their grandaddy’s job. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught them discipline and the value of earning what they wanted. Theresa worked because her mama told her, “If you want it, you’ve got to work for it.” And that’s exactly what she did. After graduating from high school in 1962, she later pursued clerical and secretarial studies at Lake Sumter Community College. She was converted at a young age, and accepted Christ as her personal Savior while living in Detroit. Her faith would become the foundation of her life. During summers spent in Florida, Theresa met the love of her life, Bishop Willie J. Poole of Leesburg, Florida. The two were joined in Holy Matrimony on December 27, 1960, and were blessed with forty-one (41) years of marriage. Together, they raised three daughters: Damita, Deena, and Raina. The couple first moved from Orlando to Clermont, Florida, where Theresa worked as the secretary in the main office at Lincoln Park, playing a meaningful role in the education system and the broader community of Clermont. Her presence was felt not only in the administrative functions of the school. Theresa was a woman of many skills - sewing handkerchiefs for church, solving crossword puzzles, and managing her home with grace. She loved music, but singing wasn’t exactly her gift. In fact, she was once kicked out of her school choir for not being able to carry a tune! But that never stopped her from embracing the joy of music or letting it lift her spirit. Gospel filled her heart - especially the Clark Sisters - and she cherished the soulful sounds of Mary Wilson from The Supremes. One thing about Theresa” she was Detroit to the core. Her favorite drink was Pepsi, but like any true Detroiter, she called it “Pop”. That simple detail said so much about who she was - real, grounded, and proud of her roots. In every quiet act of love, in every gentle prayer whispered on someone else’s behalf, in every joyful memory, Theresa lives on. She was preceded in death by her father, Rufus Whitehead, Sr.; mother, Minnie Ree Jones; brother, Rufus Whitehead, Jr.; and husband, Bishop Willie J. Poole. Left to cherish her memory are her loving daughters: Damita Thompson of Apopka, Florida, Deena Dixon of Cedar Hill, Texas, and Raina Mack of Lawrenceville, Georgia; sisters, Marian Whitehead of Mount Dora, Florida, and Dorothy Rice Smith of Detroit, Michigan; 3 grandchildren, Morgan Thompson, Kyndahl Dixon, and Jaylen Thompson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives, and friends.

Tributes

Theresa Whitehead Poole

December 22, 1943 - April 12, 2025