Karen Gene Poole, age 75 years, a resident of Goreville, IL, passed away Thu afternoon, Apr 13, 2017, at 12:50 pm at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Tracy White, at West Vienna. Karen was born Mar 4, 1942 in Effingham, IL. She was the second of five children born to Gene and Frances (Austin) Claar. In 1985, Karen was united in marriage to Homer Poole at the Eagle Point Associational Building at the Lake of Egypt. He preceded her in death on Sep 29, 2001. Karen is survived by: her children - Noble (his wife, Mary Jane) White of Buncombe, Eric (his wife, Tracy) White of Buncombe and Lana (her wife, Lorna Gampon) White of Lakewood, CA; 7 grandchildren - Clayton White of Buncombe, Kayla (her husband, Kyle) Moll of Mascoutah, Casey (her husband, Grant) Bauman of Vienna, Katie White of Buncombe, Brittany Sadler of Buncombe, Brooke (her husband, Bo) Vinson of Vienna; and Stephen Sadler of Buncombe; 5 great grandchildren - Hadley Jane Bauman, Kolten Noble Moll, Emmy Vinson, Braedon Hurst, Keaton Vinson; 3 sisters - Kate Higgs of Altamont, Kathy Richter of Troy, and Kim (her husband, Jason) Gossett of Salem; a brother - Harry "Butch" (his wife, Diane) Claar of Effingham; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and many dear friends. Karen was also anticipating the upcoming birth of two additional great grandchildren in the near future. In addition to her parents and husband, Karen was preceded in death by: a son - Jeffery White and 2 brothers-in-law - Herb Higgs and Ron Richter. Karen was a skilled seamstress and had been employed by Lee's Fashion World in Vienna, Intuitions in Carbondale and the Rusty Spur in Marion. She was also a dedicated homemaker. Karen was a member of the Cypress United Methodist Church. She cherished the love of family and friends. She particularly enjoyed the company of her dear friends and neighbors at the Autumn Ridge Supportive Living Center in Vienna. Karen is fondly remembered for her zest for life and bringing life and happiness to all those she came into contact with. For many years, Karen and Homer enjoyed traveling extensively. They had the privilege of visiting much of the United States, as well as Canada and Mexico, in their travels. Karen also continued her love of sewing and making handcrafted items throughout her lifetime. A service honoring the life of Karen Poole will be conducted Tue morning, Apr 18, at 10 am at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Kenny Baker will officiate. Burial will be in the St. John's Cemetery near Dongola.