DANOLYN WATTS CAVANAUGH POOLE
April 28, 1924 – March, 6 2023
Danolyn Watts Cavanaugh Poole passed away peacefully at home on March 6, 2023, surrounded by family. She was 98. Born April 28, 1924, to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Timothy Watts (Mary Beatrice), Danolyn grew up in Greenville, one of seven siblings.
After graduating from Butler County High School in 1943, Danolyn earned a degree from Massey Draughon Business School. Her first job was on Gunter Air Force Base, where she was secretary of the motor pool. It was there that she met a handsome staff sergeant from New York named Walt. A beautiful romance blossomed into a 48-year marriage before Walt passed in April 1993.
The following spring Danolyn reunited with her high school sweetheart, Neil, and the two married in May 1994, blending their two families for 19 years.
Throughout the years, Danolyn utilized her administrative skills in various positions from working in the office of Dr. Jimmy Dunklin to the Butler County Probate Office. She would later serve more than twenty plus years as the administrative assistant to the district attorney of the 2nd Judicial District before retiring in the early 90’s.
Danolyn was the oldest living member of First Baptist Church, joining the congregation on Feb. 16, 1947. She made her mark participating in the choir, as a Sunday School teacher, WMU leader, and church volunteer who cooked and volunteered anytime the doors were open.
Danolyn enjoyed living life. She was always the life of the party and could spin around the dance floor even well into her 90’s. She was an avid sports fan, with her two favorite teams being the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the Atlanta Braves. She loved reading, playing cards, and could accompany anyone on the harmonica. Perhaps, her most beloved gift was her ability to cook. Her macaroni and cheese and homemade dressing were two classics that will forever be remembered and cherished by family and friends.
Danolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Francis Cavanaugh; her second husband, Joseph Neil Poole, Jr.; and her daughter, Mary Tim Cavanaugh Neuendorf.
She is survived by daughters: Anita Cavanaugh Stringfellow (Gary) and Carol Cavanaugh Lee (Steve); son-in-law: Dale Neuendorf; grandchildren who knew her as “Nana,” Stephanie Stringfellow, Wendy Neuendorf McDougal (Tom), Mike Neuendorf (Amanda), Beth Stringfellow Hurley (Wyatt), Lori Neuendorf Harris (Shaun), Mallory Lee Pritchard (Trey), and Steven Lee (Shannon Trammell); 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews who knew her as “Dandine.”
Pall Bearers were Shaun Harris, Wyatt Hurley, Davis Knapp, Steven Lee, Madden McDougal, Tom McDougal, Mike Neuendorf, and Trey Pritchard. Honorary pall bearers included Drew Harris, John William Hurley, Beck Neuendorf, Gabe Neuendorf, and Sellers Neuendorf.
The service was held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 9, at First Baptist Church, 212 Fort Dale Road, Greenville, and was preceded by visitation at the church beginning at 10 a.m. A graveside service was held immediately following at Magnolia Cemetery. All arrangements were coordinated by Dunklin Funeral Home in Greenville.
For online condolences, please visit www.dunklinfh.com.