Elizabeth Alberta Poole

Elizabeth Albertha Droppert Poole N. CHARLESTON - Entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, July 27, 2011, Elizabeth Alberta Droppert Poole, first married to the late Ervin Wilson Rourke and the widow of Carl E. Poole, Sr. The relatives and friends of Elizabeth D. Poole are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 Noon Wednesday, August 3, 2011, in St. Joseph's Catholic Church Family Life Center. The Rite of Committal will be at 1:45 PM at Carolina Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends in the Family Life Center 1695 Wallenberg Blvd. Wednesday morning between 10:00 and 11:30 AM. Elizabeth was born in Charleston on Sunday, July 4, 1920 a daughter of Louis and Alberta Solomon Droppert. Libby Poole worked for the Cooper River Parks and Recreation Department and the City of North Charleston for over 60 years. She had a strong work ethic and did not retire until the age of 90 years. During the summer months she worked as the Aquatics Director managing the activities and operations of 5 swimming pools. During the winter months she managed the Ceramics Department and was responsible for teaching ceramics to members of the community. She was an Instructor Trainer and was certified in all levels of life guard training by the Red Cross. She coached a number of swimming teams to include being an assistant coach for the City of Charleston Swim Team coaching very young swimmers who later became champion swimmers under head coach TJ Liston. She was valued for her skill in teaching young swimmers the fundamentals of all four strokes so they could eventually move up to more competitive training groups. Over the course of her life she literally taught thousands of young people how to swim. More importantly, through discipline and love, she taught some of them how to live. In addition to her love for teaching she also competed while swimming for the Charleston Masters Swim Team which later became the Palmetto Masters Swim Team. She still holds South Carolina long course records for numerous age groups up through age group 79 years for the breaststroke. Libby loved her family and spent much of her time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren but she always had time for her community. She was a leader, mentor, and role model who was always there to share her time, talent and love with those in need. She will be missed. Libby was a devout member of St. John's Catholic Church for 63 years. She is survived by her children: Col. John E. Rourke USA (Ret.) (Iris), Lawrence W. Rourke (Janet) and Erneste B. Poole; 11 Grandchildren: John E. Rourke, Jr. (Shelly), Deborah R. Arnold (Drew), Barbara R. Thureson (Timothy), Tracy L. Rourke (Allyson), Mary Beth Poole Poston, C. Edward Poole III (Suzanne), James P. Poole (Mary), Christopher E. Poole, Stephen Poole, Daniel Poole, Annie Poole Seymour, 16 Great Grandchildren and a daughter in law, Janet D. Poole. She was predeceased by a son, Carl E. Poole, Jr. and a grandson, Lawrence P. Rourke. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Catholic School 3291 St. Johns Ave. North Charleston, SC 29405. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER Funerals & Cremation. 766-1365. Her Guestbook may be signed at www.jamesamcalister.com