Eloise Poole, 87, passed away on August 5, 2024, in Panama City, Florida.

She was born in Greenville, Alabama to Zibia and Eddie Belle Black on October 4, 1936.  After graduating from Greenville High School and attending Mississippi Southern, she married Billy Poole and spent many wonderful years raising their children on the Poole farm, teaching school at Greenville High School and Fort Dale Academy, as well as running her clothing boutique, Elo's.  After receiving her Master's Degree from Auburn University in 1981, she and Billy moved to Panama City Beach where they founded Billy's Oyster Bar and Billy's II.  A successful and outgoing businesswoman, she made many contributions to her growing beach town as a board member of the Beaches Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Tourist Development Council and the Rotary Club.  "Grandmom" as she was affectionately known to her family was quite talented and loved to entertain us all with singing, playing the guitar, dancing, and telling stories.  We all take joy in sharing amusing Grandmom stories.

Elo was preceded in death by her husband, Billy, her son, Marc Poole, her daughter Beth Wheeler, and her grandson, Cory Poole.

She is survived by two children, Ernie Poole (Malia) and Pru Anderson (Lavoy) along with the following grandchildren: Mary Claire Smith (Cody), Chase Higgenbotham, Blake Poole, Megan Greer (Alexander), Brandi Schlichtenmyer (Rob), Annie and Elizabeth Gray, Stephanie and Dylan Mason, and Katie Wheeler.  In addition, she has nine great-grandchildren.

Our family would like to thank all the people at Charter Senior Living and Community Health who cared for Mom.  Her smile when she saw her caretakers let us know that she was being treated with love.

Visitation will be from 9:00am – 10:00am at Dunklin Funeral Home on Saturday, August 10th followed by a graveside service conducted by Bro. Mike Phillips in Magnolia Cemetery.