Bethany Poore (1981-2024)

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Bethany Kathleen (Notgrass) Poore, daughter of Ray and Charlene Notgrass. Even though we believe in the hope of eternal life through Jesus our Lord, death is still a painful separation from those we love. We will miss Bethany's creativity, sense of humor, and so much more.

Notgrass History is a family business. We were a family long before we even thought about starting a business. After we took that step in 1999, Bethany played a pivotal role in shaping Notgrass History and in serving homeschooling families in other ways, including publishing a newsletter for teenage girls and directing the Shining Stars Homeschool Chorus.

We ask you to pray for her husband, Gregory; her daughters, Eva and Maria; and all of us as we move forward without her. Bethany's faith inspires us to follow her example as she followed the example of Jesus.

Take a moment to tell those you love how much they mean to you. It is always the right time to do so.

Ray and Charlene Notgrass
John Notgrass
Nate and Mev McCurdy

Bethany Kathleen Poore

Bethany Kathleen Poore was born on July 1, 1981, in Oxford, Mississippi. After a long and heroic fight with cancer, Bethany went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. She died surrounded by family and dear friends.

Bethany was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sister, and a dear friend to many, many people. She was a faithful follower of Jesus who showed his love and kindness to everyone she met. Among many other things, she is remembered for her generosity, joyfulness, hospitality, and humility. Bethany loved to take care of people, especially her family. One of her greatest joys was homeschooling her daughters. She cared deeply for her church, First Baptist Church of Jackson (Tennessee), and was a faithful and involved member. She was passionate about cooking, baking, crafting, and decorating. She loved to travel, read books, and sing. She made friends easily and loved history. Bethany was masterful with words, and with beautiful penmanship wrote countless letters and cards to bless and encourage the people she loved. Bethany added so much life and joy to every room she entered. Her energy and enthusiasm were contagious. She loved to laugh and be just a little bit naughty (in the best possible way).

Bethany leaves behind her husband, Gregory; daughters Eva (11) and Maria (9); parents Ray and Charlene Notgrass; brother John (Audra) Notgrass; sister Mary Evelyn “Mev” (Nate) McCurdy; father-in-law Mike Poore; mother-in-law Janet Poore; brothers-in-law Geoffrey (Anna) Poore, Stephen (Larissa) Poore, and Daniel (Rachel) Poore; sister-in-law Jennifer Poore; and a dozen nieces and nephews whom she adored and who adored her back.

Bethany left this earth with the hope of the resurrection, looking forward to when she will be reunited with her family and friends in the presence of her loving Savior. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Ulm and the amazing people at Kirkland Cancer Center for their exceptional care and kindness during Bethany’s fight with cancer.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:23)