Jonella Cunningham Poole was born on April 25, 1915 to Martha Lou Foggy and Willie L. Cunningham. One of twelve children, she grew up in the town of Waterloo in Laurens County, South Carolina. Mrs. Poole moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1938 after marrying Marion Prinston Poole. The Poole's were married 49 years until Mr. Poole's passing in 1987.

Upon her move to Winston-Salem, Mrs. Poole became affiliated with the First Institutional Baptist Church, which merged with West End Baptist Church in 1965, to form United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. All total, Mrs. Poole has been a member of UMMBC for 50 years in addition to her prior 27 years as a First Institutional Baptist Church member. Prior to health issues, Mrs. Poole continued her commitment of service to God and UMMBC by serving as a Deaconess, member of the Gospel Choir, member of Sunday Church School, Senior Missionary, and advisor to the Young Adult Missionaries.

here Mrs. Poole enjoyed traveling and reading. She earned the respect and affection of people from various walks of life. Mrs. Poole demonstrated in countless ways her dedication to the welfare of others.

here As we celebrate the life and memory of Mrs. Jonella Cunningham Poole, we are inspired by her long life, her willingness to give and the abundance of love that she gave to those around her.

Mrs. Poole was preceded in death by her 11 siblings and only child, Elwood P. Poole. Remaining to cherish her memory are: her grandchildren Kashka J. (Poole) Bateman, Khojo P. Poole, Keith P. Poole; her great grandchildren Kameron J. Bateman, Fyndi L. Lancaster, Brennan Scott, Oni Farely, and Tyrell Riley; her great great grandson Elijah Goode, and a host of relatives and many friends.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. The family will greet friends 30 minutes prior to the service. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.