Edna Burke (Nichols) Poole

Edna Burke (“Berkie”) Nichols Poole passed away peacefully in her home on July 13, 2023, at the age of 96. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. She is survived by her daughter Pam Walden, granddaughter Stephanie Nieman (Jeff) and great-grandchildren Burke and Larkin, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband Charlie Poole, sons Rick Poole and Bruce Poole, sister Jessie Ray, and brother Bobby Nichols.

Berkie was born on October 6, 1926, in Efland to Robert B. Nichols, Sr. and Carrie M. Nichols. She attended Elon College to study bookkeeping and worked at Central Carolina Farmers livestock market and later at Tel-Rad, a TV repair shop she ran with her husband in Durham. She was married almost 50 years and was a wonderful mother to three children.

She loved to garden, bake, shop, and visit with friends. She took pride in growing a large garden every year and canning and preserving dozens of vegetables and jelly. She loved her church, Efland United Methodist, where she was a lifelong member and served in many church leadership positions earlier in her life. Her favorite volunteer service was selling Brunswick stew by phone orders, and she had a remarkable memory for knowing what everyone ordered. She was famous for her German chocolate cake and her kind heart.

A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, July 17 at 2pm at Efland United Methodist Church conducted by Pastor Neal Brantley with visitation at the church before the service at 1pm. The family would like to thank her special caregivers, especially Janie R., Janie C., Amy, and Josephine. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Efland United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.