Barbara Jean Poole

Barbara Jean Helmer Poole, age 77, of Bessemer City, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. She was born on February 20, 1948, in Mendocino, California, and worked in accounting. Barbara was married to the love of her life, James “JL” Poole, for 58 years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many. She had a unique talent for making everyone feel welcome in her home, often inviting friends and family over for dinner. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she delighted in every moment spent with them, creating lasting memories that they will treasure forever. In her leisure time, she enjoyed reading and gaming. Barbara will be missed but will forever remain in our hearts.

She is preceded in death by her mother Edna Irene Hoskins Cate Helmer; step-father Anthony Helmer, Sr.; father Ernest P. Cate; and brother Paul Cate.

Along with her husband, those left to cherish her memory include her children Tina Davis (Denny), James “Jimmy” Poole (Kendall), and Rebecca Harwell (Brian); bonus kids Jennifer Grant (Mike) and Wes Gibby (Lauren); brother Tony Helmer, Jr.; sister Peggy Pitkanen (Eddie); grandchildren Chelsea Walters (Austin), Austin Harwell, Denny Davis II, Emma Poole, Kensleigh Kim, Mikah Kim, and Elijah Poole; great-grandchildren Colby Jean Walters and Raylin Walters; along with a number of nieces, nephews, and special friends that loved her dearly.

A memorial service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 5:00 pm in the Chapel at Sisk-Butler Funeral Home with Pastor David Hall officiating. The family will receive friends after the service until 7:00 pm. Inurnment will be with the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Gaston County Cancer Services or to Via Health Partners.

The family would like to send a special “Thank You” to her caregivers Angel Greene (Mic), Tori Bowen, Lynda Cassaro, and Stacy Ellis.

Sisk-Butler Funeral & Cremation Services, Bessemer City is honored to serve the Poole family.