Friendship Memorialized Through Endowed Scholarship

From left are Ashley Poole Lynch, Diane McCrary, Barry Poole, Leslie Poole Lynch. Standing is Chris Cates, assistant vice president for college advancement.

Suzanne Clawson Poole Scholarship Endowed by Friend

    When Suzanne Clawson Poole passed away earlier this year, Diane McCrary lost her lifetime best friend. “We met each other in kindergarten,” McCrary said. “We became best friends on the first day and were best friends for life. We both went to Walters State and served as Senators Pages. Then, we both transferred to Clemson and were roommates.”

McCrary has memorialized that friendship by establishing the Suzanne Clawson Poole Memorial Scholarship. McCrary thought it appropriate that the scholarship be designated to assist education majors, as Poole spent 30 years with the Hamblen County School System.

“Suzanne was a special friend to me, and she touched so many lives as a teacher. I wanted to do something in her honor,” said McCrary. The Poole family was touched by the generosity.

“The family is grateful for the opportunity to honor Suzanne and her passion for education. Walters State was a blessing in the lives of Suzanne and her daughters. We hope this scholarship will be a blessing to students in the future as they pursue their educational journey,” said husband Barry Poole and daughters Ashlee Poole Lynch and Leslie Poole Lynch. Teaching was a lifelong calling for Poole.

“Suzanne always knew she was going to be a teacher,” McCrary said. “When we were young and had sleepovers, she would always want to play school. Of course, Suzanne was always the teacher, and I was always the student.”

McCrary is a trustee with the Walters State Foundation. She is continuing her family’s long-term and generous support of the college. 

The Suzanne Clawson Poole Memorial Scholarship is open for additional donations. For more information, contact Chris Cates, assistant vice president for college advancement, at 423-585-2618 or Chris.CatesFREEWS.