Nicki Poling

Nicki Poling passed away in Houston, Texas on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 with her husband, Dwayne, son Mark and daughter-in-law, Susan at her side. She was born in DuQuoin, Illinois to Charlie and Gertrude Commean on September 13, 1929. Nicki is survived by Dwayne, her loving husband of sixty-six years and their four children: Gary Poling (deceased)-spouse Pati Poling Cherry - spouse Don Cherry of Wood River, IL, daughter Dana Poling Smith-spouse Scott (deceased) of Aurora, Colorado, son David Poling - spouse Amy Poling of Vacaville, California, son Mark - spouse Susan of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Cari Poling Manning - spouse Shane of Red Bud, IL, Heather Poling Weber - spouse Justin of Belleville, IL, Nicki Poling (her namesake) of Wood River, IL, Jon Smith- spouse Alesha, of Aurora, Colorado, Chris Smith-fiance Morgan Minella of Winter Springs, Florida, Samantha and Michelle Poling of Vacaville, CA; Sandra Poling Walden - spouse Justin and identical twins Michael-fiance Marie Welz and Robert Poling - girlfriend Kristen Weaver all of Houston. Nicki also was very proud of her Great-Grandchildren: Mason and Megan Manning and Alex, Phoenix and Electra Smith. She is also survived by three sisters-in-law: Nila Swallers of DuQuoin, Emma Jean Poling of rural Pinckneyville and Ruth Poling of Houston, brother-in-law Raymond Poling of Streator, IL and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, oldest son, Gary Poling, son-in-law Scott Smith, brother Paul Dean Commean, sister-in-law Naomi (Fred) Commean, brothers-in-law Jim Swallers, Marvin Poling and Carl Poling

Nicki graduated from DuQuoin High School in 1947. In her High School years she enjoyed roller skating, movies and was a member of an all-girls bowling league nicknamed the Fabulous Five. She was also a baton twirler for the high school, Nicki and Dwayne met and married in DuQuoin, IL in June of 1949 and remained there until 1957.

In 1957 she and Dwayne moved to Roxana, IL when Dwayne began his career in the Research Lab with Shell Oil Company. They continued to raise and expand their family and were active in the Presbyterian Church where Nicki worked as Church Secretary.

In 1974, Shell consolidated their local research labs into one facility in Houston TX and relocated the Poling family to Alief, TX (a suburb of Houston).

The room was always brighter when Nicki entered. Her smile and laughter were contagious and the only thing larger than her personality was her wonderful heart. Her sense of humor, gift of gab (she never met a stranger), sensitivity and ability to connect with a wide range of people won her many friends. Her gift of unselfish love has touched many lives and will be cherished forever.

Her Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Philadelphia Independent Baptist Church, 750 E. Cole St., DuQuoin, IL 62832. Philip Poling, her nephew, will lead the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Memorial Fund which will be used to install a park bench with a memorial plaque in a park in DuQuoin, IL. Please send donations to Dana Smith 25036 E. Plymouth Circle, Aurora, CO 80016. You may call Dana at (303) 324-8964 with questions,

You may leave condolences and view a slide show online at www.brookside-funeralhome-cypresscreek.com.