Benita Ann Carr Poole, 70, of Liberty, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dayton.
Benita was born on Sept. 15, 1955, to Levi Carr and Bobbie Carroll Carr. She spent her early years in the Liberty-Daisetta area, attending Daisetta High School and later Liberty High School. She went on to attend Lamar University.
Music was one of the great loves of Benita’s life. A gifted pianist from a young age, she earned numerous honors for her musical talent. As a teenager, she received the Critics Award at the National Guild Festival and was awarded a competitive piano scholarship to the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri. She was also selected as an accompanist for a university choir’s European tour.
Benita continued sharing her gift of music throughout her life. As an accomplished accompanist, she played for choirs, churches and theatrical productions, including the Baylor Summer Music Camp Choir and the Valley Players. Throughout the years, she also played for weddings and many other special occasions. She had a particular love for classical music, and the piano remained an important part of who she was.
While music was a defining part of Benita’s life, her greatest joy was the people she loved. She was a loving and nurturing mother, a devoted grandmother affectionately known as “Nina,” and someone whose infectious smile and unmistakable laugh could light up a room. She was caring, compassionate and remarkably resilient, with a deep love for her family and a determination to remain close to those she loved. Her Christian faith was at the center of her life. She found strength and comfort in Scripture and carried with her an enduring faith in God’s love, grace and promises.
Benita was preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Bobbie Carr, and her sister, Cheryl Lou Carr Pickett.
She is survived by her son, Eric Poole and wife Katie; daughter, Anya Clancy and husband Kevin; brother, Levi Carr; grandchildren, Westyn Barger, Willow Clancy, Piper Clancy, Gemma Clancy, Kasen Grenelli, and Alden Poole; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.
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