Lois Jean Poole
Saturday, September 7th, 1935 - Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

Lois Jean Poole (Jean), 90, of Piney Point, Maryland, departed her earthly life on March 31, 2026, after bravely battling her illnesses with strength and grace, never once complaining and never giving up. She passed peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by those she loved.

Jean was born on September 7, 1935, in Spring Creek, Virginia, a quiet countryside she cherished throughout her life. She was the daughter of Clarence and Carrie Estes and the middle child of three siblings.

Jean had a deep and abiding love for her family, especially her parents, grandparents, cousins, and most notably her mother and Grandmother Thompson. As a child, she spent many happy summers "up home" with family, creating memories she treasured forever. She was raised primarily in Alexandria, Virginia, and attended George Washington High School. In her youth, Jean enjoyed simple pleasures such as spending time with cousins, Saturday movies, outings, and trips to the five-and-dime store to buy penny candy with her allowance.

Jean fell in love with the handsome Richard E. Poole, whom she married on May 30, 1953, at Baptist Temple Church in Alexandria, Virginia. She was a devoted and loving wife to Richard until his passing. Together, they raised five spirited children that challenged her nerves on a daily basis, yet she remained, without question, the best mother ever. She lovingly attended to her children's every need, creating a safe, happy, and nurturing home.

Although primarily a homemaker, Jean accomplished many remarkable things throughout her life. She and her husband raised their children in Clinton, Maryland, before moving to St. George's Island in the late 1960s. There, they opened and operated a boat rental and tackle shop known as Poole's Fishing Center. From a small space in her home office, Jean taught herself to make bucktails and created her own product line, "Lucky Lures." She capably managed many aspects of the business, including crabbing, shedding soft crabs, and shucking and bottling fresh oysters for sale.

Jean lived on the water for most of her life, yet never learned to swim. Remarkably, she was often the first to jump into a boat to rescue a stranded rental boat or boater in distress. While on the island, she was an avid league bowler and an active member and volunteer with the St. George's Island Improvement Association.

Later, Jean followed her husband's dream of living in the Florida Keys. They moved to Marathon, Florida, where they lived for 25 years and owned and operated Ocean Breeze Seafood and Bobcat Metals. Jean worked as secretary and bookkeeper for both businesses. On numerous occasions, she endured long and difficult fishing trips with her husband to the Dry Tortugas, despite severe seasickness, out of love and devotion.

In 2001, they returned to Piney Point, Maryland. Jean was immensely talented and creative. She made quilts, built miniature dollhouses, crocheted, knitted, and even taught herself the art of tatting (lace making). She became involved with Operation Shoebox, a military support organization, where she handcrafted hats for warmth and tote bags for soldiers. In September 2015, she was formally recognized for her dedication and service.

Jean loved country music and the beauty of the Shenandoah Mountains. She was a true lady in every sense of the word—kind, strong, generous, and unwavering in her love for family. She was affectionately known as "Maw Maw" and "Mom Mom" to her grandchildren and was blessed with 17 great-grandchildren. She will be forever missed and will always remain in our hearts.

Jean is survived by her children: Karen L. Burdette (George) of Piney Point, MD; Raymond E. Poole of Marathon, FL;( Audrey Poole of Phenix, AL); Donna L. Rustin (William, deceased) of Chaptico, MD; Gail A. Borysiewicz (Edward) of Key Colony Beach, FL; and Douglas L. Poole (Vickie) of Elk Creek, VA.

She was the proud grandmother of eleven grandchildren: Amanda J. Lamb (Joseph) of Calvert County, MD; Jessie R. B. Burdette of California, MD; Wesley E. Poole of West Point, GA; Ashley A. Baron (Buddy) of Brooks, GA; Stacey L. Richmond (Clint) of Newnan, GA; Nickolas E. Rustin (Brigid) of Leonardtown, MD; Marina L. Rustin of Chaptico, MD; Beatrice A. Valdes-Perez (Yamar) of Marathon, FL; Carlos A. Valdes, Jr., and partner Meagan Reilly of Marathon, FL; Matthew Poole (Deedra) of Thurmond, NC; and Candice J. Stevenson (Ian) of Elk Creek, VA.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles Estes of Reedville, VA, and Harold Estes of Stafford, VA.

Pallbearers: Raymond E. Poole, Douglas L. Poole, George L. Burdette, Nickolas E. Rustin, Edward Borysiewicz, Joseph Lamb, and Carlos Valdes, Jr.

The family will receive friends and family on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with services beginning at 11:00 AM at Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown, MD. Interment will follow at Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.


Visitation
When
Thursday, April 9th, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am
Location
Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home
Address
41590 Fenwick Street
LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650

Service
When
Thursday, April 9th, 2026 11:00am
Location
Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home
Address
41590 Fenwick Street
LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650