Sandy Griffies Poole 1938-2023
Sandra Lou Griffies Poole (Sandy) passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at the age of 84 with her son, Lance by her side. She is survived by her sons Randall Troy Poole (Randy) and his wife Kathleen (Kathy); Ronald Lance Poole (Lance) and his wife Mary. Sandy also leaves behind 4 grandchildren - Lauren, Matthew, Chase and Allyson (Ally) – who were her pride and joy.
Sandy was born on December 30, 1938, at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Texas and was the daughter of the late Frank and Louise Griffies. Her younger brother, the late Donald Griffies followed a couple of years later. The family relocated to Teaneck, New Jersey for several years as a career move for her father. They moved to Houston, Texas in the early 1950’s where she resided for the rest of her life. She graduated from Lamar High School and then attended Sam Houston State University where she fell in love with and later married her late husband- Fred Malcolm Poole.
Sandy and Fred were an extremely social couple and had an expansive and diverse group of friends. Sandy was always interested in volunteerism. She began volunteering in the petting zoo at the Houston Zoo several years before finding her life’s passion at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in the early 1970’s. Soon afterwards, she joined the School Art Committee, which she remained affiliated with for over 40 years. She also served as a member of Ticket Trailer. She enjoyed judging contestants BBQ at the HLSR World Championship Bar-B-Que and being a member of Shooters Club.
Sandy brought a great deal of value to the Show’s educational programs through her tireless enthusiasm and leadership. She served as the Chairman of the School Art Committee in the 1980’s where she first introduced a proposal to have a school art auction to raise money for scholarships for the participating children. It was initially turned down, but eventually became an overwhelmingly popular and successful part of the scholarship program which is the basis for the Show. She also played a pivotal role in the development of the Cowboy Artists of America Scholarships to the Western Art Academy workshop at Schreiner College in Kerrville, TX. Sandy broke down barriers in a Good Ole Boy’s world when she became one of the first ladies to be elected to the HLSR Board of Directors in 1985.
Sandy also served as a member of the Houston Junior Woman’s Club where she volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House. She was a lifetime member of the Farm and Ranch Club and served on the Scholarship Luncheon Committee where she helped formulate the Future Artists of America Program at the Harris County Fair. Lastly, Sandy was a member of The Ladies of Fleetwood. To date it remains a mystery how The Ladies of Fleetwood were able to exchange information regarding the whereabouts and wrongdoings of their children sometimes even before it happened.
Sandy had a bright smile that always lit up any room she entered. Her charismatic, fun loving and thoughtful personality always drew people in. She will be sorely missed, but forever stay in our hearts.
A private burial service will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Sandy Poole (School Art) HLSR Educational Fund, 3 NRG Park, Houston, TX 77054. The following link will lead you to the donation site: https://secure.rodeohouston.com/Donate/?code=MemorialFund.
