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Kathy Diane Pool, age 70, of Durant, Oklahoma, entered into rest on July 2, 2026, in her home.
Kathy was born on March 28, 1956, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Fred and Marie Davis Tipton. She grew up in Powell, Tennessee, where she was known by her family as "Sissy." Later in life, she became lovingly known as "Nana" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Kathy moved to Oklahoma at the age of 14 and began working as a waitress. She later made Durant her home and built a life centered around family, faith, and caring for others. She attended Kiamichi Technology Centers, where she became a Licensed Practical Nurse, and later continued her education at Grayson County College, earning her associate degree and becoming a Registered Nurse.
Kathy worked as a charge nurse at Durant Medical Center, later as a nurse for a cardiac doctor, and also served patients through home health before retiring. Caring for others came naturally to Kathy. It was part of her heart long before it was part of her work. She was selfless, kind, and generous with her time, her attention, and her love. She believed in doing at least one good deed each day and encouraged those she loved to do the same.
Kathy was bubbly, loving, and strong. She had a laugh that could brighten a room and a warmth that made people feel at home. She never met a stranger. She could strike up a conversation with anyone, and before long, they felt like they had known her for years. She loved sharing stories, hearing about other people's lives, and making everyone around her feel welcome.
Above all, Kathy loved her family. Her boys, Robert, Jerry, and Trevor, were the greatest joys of her life. She loved bringing family together for the holidays, keeping up with birthdays, and making sure the people she loved knew they were remembered. Every year, she made a point to call and sing the full "Happy Birthday" song to her sons, a tradition they will always cherish.
Kathy enjoyed painting rocks, traveling when she could, and spending time in places that brought her peace. She always believed the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee were the most beautiful, but after visiting the Pacific Northwest and seeing Rockaway Beach along the Oregon coast, she came to feel that it was the most breathtaking place she had ever known. She also loved music, especially the sounds of Otis Redding, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Eagles, and the Rolling Stones. At home, she enjoyed watching Little House on the Prairie.
Kathy was a Christian and found comfort in her faith. Her family takes comfort in the reminder that in life s hardest moments, when only one set of footprints can be seen, it is then that Christ carries us.
Kathy is survived by her sons, Robert Lee Kelley and Trevor Dillon Pool; Trevor's fiance', Lily Jirapolchet; her grandchildren, Melissa Rodgers Hancock, Sarah Nicole Kelley, Brandon Lee Kelley, Brayden Kelley, and Kamori Don Kelley; her great-grandchildren, Braylen Kelley and Breckin Kelley; her brother, Danny Ray Tipton of Cartersville, Tennessee; her sister-in-law, Barbara Tipton of Villa Rica, Georgia; and Barry Clark of Hot Springs, Arkansas, who was like a son to her.
She was preceded in death by her son, Jerry Don Kelley; her grandson, Jayden Lee Kelley; her parents, Fred and Marie Davis Tipton; her brothers, Frank Tipton and Edward Lee Tipton; her sisters, Dorothy June York and Regina Marie Weaver; and Virgil Lee Kelley.
Kathy attended Apostolic Lighthouse Church of Durant, where she found fellowship and faith.
Family night will be held Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Brown's Funeral Service in Durant, Oklahoma. A funeral service will take place Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Brown's Funeral Service in Durant, Oklahoma. The service is public, and all who loved Kathy are welcome.
Flowers are accepted. In honor of Kathy's joyful spirit and her love of color, the family invites guests to wear purple, pink, bright colors, or a favorite colorful outfit. This will be a celebration of life, and Kathy would have loved to see everyone gathered in color on this beautiful day.
Services are under the direction of Brown's Durant Funeral and Cremation Service.