Louise Rebecca Poole Harbin, 77, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2012 at Rainey Hospice House.

Born August 5, 1934, Lou, as she was known to so many, lived life to the fullest and found her greatest joy in serving. Her usual greeting for family, friend, or recent acquaintance was always "I am so glad to see you". Louise had a contagious vibrant spirit that left others encouraged, uplifted and most always feeling better than when they first arrived. Many were the days when family and close friends would hear her say, after pouring out their hearts to her," Now it's not time to give up, there will be a way."A most gracious Hostess, she truly exemplified what it meant to be a true Southern Lady. Beautiful, Charming, and Gracious, she always sought to put others at ease. Louise was a gift and those who spent any time with her knew this full well.

On Sam and Louise's first date, blind date, at the famous Roystonian Restaurant. Sam remarked to Louise before the evening had passed "I'm going to marry you" Sam said I knew in my heart she was the one for me.

She was the daughter of Robert Earl Poole and Dora Mobley Poole. Born in Forney, AL, she and her family eventually settled in the city of Rome Georgia.

Upon graduation from Model High School Louise began her studies at McCall Hospital and completed her lab and x-ray training through Hall County Hospital. She worked many years at the first Ty Cobb Hospital in Royston Georgia.

For more than 55 years, Lavonia Georgia was home. She served in Lavonia First Baptist Church for many of these years. The alto section of the choir was where you would most always find Louise as she served there fifty-four years with all of her heart and soul. Teaching the ladies' Sunday school class was another passion that she fulfilled for forty years.Along with serving the Lord Louise was also busy helping her husband Sam build their business. However, her proudest achievements were her three daughters, six grandsons, and two 'grand dogs'. They all affectionately called her "Mama Lou".

She is survived by her husband of 55 years Samuel Verner Harbin; daughters: Lisa Harbin O'Brien & Charles Frank III of Carnesville, and Verna Lyn Harbin Thomas & Guy, and Carmen Harbin of Athens. Her grandsons include Nathan Charles Frank O'Brien, Nicholas Brennan O'Brien, Samuel Hamilton O'Brien, Matthew Farrell O'Brien, Grant Russell Thomas, and Garrett Flynn Thomas. Many nieces and nephews survive her on both sides of her family that fondly loved and called her "Aunt Lou".

A celebration of her life will be held at the Lavonia First Baptist Church on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at 2:00 pmwith Dr. Larry Finger Officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Royston. Visitation will be held Saturday, May 26, 2012 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia.

Gifts in honor of Louise's life may be made to Lavonia First Baptist Church's Music Department P.O. Box 47 Lavonia, GA 30553.