Obituary

Melissa Fontaine Poole

November 2, 1979 - June 2, 2023

Melissa Fontaine Poole, age 43 and a resident of the Enon Community, gained her Angel Wings on Friday afternoon June 2, 2023. She was a childhood cancer survivor and a St. Jude Children’s Hospital miracle, as Melissa was in remission for 37 years. She was an active member of Hillcrest Baptist Church, where she was a member of the S.O.S (Sisters of Strength) Sunday School class and served in the Children’s ministry and Vacation Bible School. Everyone who met Melissa loved her and she openly loved them back. She was a prolific artist and her paintings had won numerous awards at the Washington Parish Free Fair. Her special feline companion “Joshua” will miss her deeply.

Survived by: Father: Dennis Gros; Mom: Melinda Read; Sisters: Annabeth Poole, Terri Emmons; Brothers: Matthew Gros, Joey Poole; Special Companion and Friend: Frank Bivalacqua; Also numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her mother, best friend and “partner in crime” Laurie Gros.

Visitation will be at Hillcrest Baptist Church (2201 Washington Street, Franklinton, LA 70438) on Friday June 9th from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held in the church at 11:00 am Friday with Rev. Dustin Pierce officiating. Melissa loved vibrant colors and the family encourages people to wear colorful clothing to honor her memory. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday June 10th in the Westlawn Memorial Park (1225 Whitney Avenue, Gretna, LA).

In lieu of flowers, Melissa would like memorial donations be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org)

Pallbearers: Matt Gros, Joey Poole, Jason Hatcher, Julian Todd, Nick Keys, Eric Emmons, Don Caskey