GERRY POOL

Gerry Pool, of Republic, went home to be with her Lord, and Savior on Monday, July 1, 2024. She was born on a cold snowy January night in Prairie Grove, Ark. to Samuel and Bertha Robinson (Ball). She was the oldest sister to three brothers and was saved at a young age. She devoted her life to serving the Lord.
She graduated from Lincoln High School in Lincoln, Ark. and faithfully attended her class reunions. She met the love of her life, Billy Pool, in 1954 and married him three months later. To their blissful union a daughter Rhonda was born. They moved to Springfield where he attended Baptist Bible College. Living off meager wages with little to no groceries, Gerry perfected her onion gravy, which turned out to be one of Billy’s favorites.
Gerry served alongside her husband in church ministries in Iowa, Florida, Alabama and Republic in any role that needed filled including singing, teaching, secretarial duties, AWANA and more. She also served in ministries at Baptist Bible College including in the mission’s office and collecting medical supplies for the mission field. She collected countless other items for various charities and those in need. While working in all these ministries, Gerry also held many jobs including being a receptionist at Dr. Hilburn’s office in Republic. She used this connection in the community to witness to others about Jesus and find opportunities to help others.
Gerry moved to Republic in 1981 when Billy became pastor of Bible Baptist Church. Gerry became active in Republic City government in 1984. She served on city council in 1988. She was elected mayor from 1990-1992. She again served on city council in 2005-2017 and 2021-2023. Gerry was instrumental in getting the Senior Friendship Center built, which was later renamed Gerry Pool Senior Friendship Center. She was on the board of the Republic Pregnancy Resource Center for 19 years. She helped manage the local Farmer’s Market. If there was a way, she could serve others she would and if she couldn’t, she knew who could, as her 1992 mayoral campaign slogan stated, “Your Concern is My Concern.” Gerry attended both Free Will Baptist Church, as well as Bible Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Rev. Billy Pool, daughter Rhonda Dihigo, her parents, and brothers Charlie and Donnie Robinson.  
She is survived by grandson Joey Dihigo of Florida, granddaughter Billie Jo Dihigo of Florida, great-grandson Leo of Florida, brother James Robinson (Doris Ann) of Arkansas, sister-in-law Maude and Len Levell of California, brother-in-law Roger and Karen Walling of Nevada, nieces, nephews, many other relatives and a host friends. She will be greatly missed.
Gerry was very active in many organizations, such as The Republic Pregnancy Resource Center (291 U.S. Hwy. 60 W. Republic, MO 65738), People Helping People (210 N Pine Ave., Republic, MO 65738) and the Gerry Pool Senior and Friendship Center (210 E Hines St., Republic, MO 65738). In Gerry’s honor, and to continue her legacy of giving, donations are suggested to one of these organizations.
A visitation is scheduled for Friday, July 12, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. at Meadors Funeral Home in Republic. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 11 a.m., also in the chapel at Meadors Funeral Home, with Pastor Don Anderson and Pastor Bud Everett officiating. Gerry will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, in Evergreen Cemetery following the funeral services.