Jo Ann Bulow Poole

November 12, 1942 - April 4, 2021

Jo Ann Bulow Poole died April 3rd, 2021 after 78 years of life. She was born on November 12, 1942 in Geneva, Illinois.  Her family soon moved to Kansas City, where she remained through college. Jo Ann graduated from high school as the valedictorian.  She graduated with honors from William Jewell College and then received her Masters with honors from Florida State University.  After graduation she was employed by Northern Illinois University to teach freshman English.  Three years later Jo Ann decided to leave academia and seek a job in business. She was employed by Container Corporation of America in Carol Stream in the accounting area.  There she met John who was to be her husband for over forty-four years of marriage.  They traveled to Europe each summer for the first eight years of the marriage.  On their 8th anniversary, John asked her if she wanted to start a family. After three miscarriages she quickly realized that age and luck were against them and began to investigate adoption.  A year later Jordan arrived from Korea and a year after that Merritt arrived from the same country, both as Christmas presents.  Upon Jordan’s arrival she was happy to change her life from working outside the home as a District Controller to being a full time mom.  When Jordan was eight, he asked her if he could go to Sunday school.  That question started her 25+ years of involvement with the Baker Church.  Over the years she worked on most every committee the church offered.  She loved the serenity of the Sunday service to clear her mind for the coming week’s activities.  When her children reached middle school, Jo Ann started her own small business, providing services as an Office Manager for companies that did not require full time help.  Her family and their well-being was the focus of most of her time.  She never stopped thinking about how she could help her family as they matured and left home.  She was a great wife and partner with John who used her for support and help in all his decisions.  Jo Ann is survived by her husband, John; her son, Jordan; her daughter, Merritt; granddaughter, Lainey and sister, Bev Childs. John and Merritt Poole have asked that I send information regarding the Memorial in-lieu of flowers for JoAnn Poole.   They would like donations to be sent to: Fox Valley Alumnae Club of Alpha Gamma Delta c/o Tammy Riddiford, Treasurer 36W688 Stoneleat Rd. St. Charles, IL 60175 Alpha Gamma Delta’s philanthropic focus is fighting hunger.  Our Club is a 501(c)3 and will be donating 100% of the monies in JoAnn’s memory to “Save the Children” www.savethechildren.org. JoAnn’s contribution to the Club is invaluable, her legacy lives on through her amazing daughter and fellow “sister”, Merritt. Guest Book ShareEmail Print