Claudia Cato Poole

Claudia M. Poole

Easley, SC

Claudia Madelyn Cato Poole, 82, formerly of Greenville, SC; Decatur, AL; and Charlotte, NC, passed away on July 30th 2025 after courageously battling several long-term illnesses.

Claudia was born on December 1, 1942, in Charlotte, NC, to the late Claude Franklin Cato and Madelyn Mulwee Cato. She graduated from Greenville High School and attended Winthrop University. Claudia soon settled into a life she loved, spending many years as both a homemaker and a banker. She was outgoing and vivacious, with a strong work ethic. Her passion was gardening, and she delighted in sharing her plants with neighbors and friends. Her gardening skills earned her the designation of Master Gardener from the Clemson University Extension Service.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Amelia Madelyn Wilkerson; her grandson, Parson Wilkerson; and two brothers, Robert Cato (Shirley) and Richard Cato (Tina), both of Greenville.

Claudia is survived by her former husband, Mack Parson Poole of Simpsonville; and her daughter, Frances Irene Poole of Easley, SC. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Margaret Borgelt (Matt), Emily Ringley (Drew), and Caroline Correa (Andres); her son-in-law, Steve Wilkerson; and nine great-grandchildren. Additionally, she leaves behind two brothers, James Cato (ChiChi Setzler) and Mark Cato (Donna), both of Greenville; a special cousin, Pam Odom of Greenville; and dear sisters-in-law, Nelle Anne Poole, and Shirley Cato both of Greenville. Claudia cherished many cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

The family would like to thank the entire Fleetwood Acute Care staff for their compassion and dedication during Claudia’s final years. Special thanks also go to the Foothills Hospice staff for their care during the latter stages of her life.

A visitation with family and friends will be held on August 3 from 2-3:30 pm at Robinson Funeral Home, 305 West Main Street, Easley, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem United Methodist Church, 2700 White Horse Rd, Greenville, SC 29611

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.