Pauline Hall Williams, age 92, died August 31, 2008 at Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee, Fla. Polly was born Feb 15, 1916, in Hereford, Texas, and was raised during the Depression at the Presbyterian Children's Home in Vickery, Texas. She was a fierce competitor in athletics and academics, graduating from East Texas Teachers' College and teaching English in Winters, Texas. Her family became her focus when she married Dr. James Perry Williams, a dentist and Lt. Col. in the Air Force. She followed him throughout his military career raising 7 children and creating homes in Texas, Alabama, California, South Pacific, Korea, Arizona and Florida, before finally settling in Melbourne. Polly and Perry were happily married for 55 years until his death in 1994. Polly's other love was the United Methodist Church and found a church home there wherever they lived. At 1st UMC in Melbourne, she taught Sunday School, led the United Methodist Women and was active in the Florida Conference and international missions work. She was a strong and fearless advocate of social justice, racial equality and the loving care of children. She was always giving, teaching and serving in the church, within her family and among her countless number of friends. The many recipients of her kindness will always remember her boundless generosity from her cards, letters, phone calls, cakes and blank checks. She resided at Westminster Oaks retirement community in Tallahassee since 1998, was a member of Trinity UMC and was known for her ready smile, teasing humor, instant friendship and willingness to help others. Unmothered as a child, Polly passionately made motherhood her careerand passed on to her children a love of knowledge, independence, integrity and compassion. Polly and Perry's seven children and their spouses are Stan and Pam Williams of San Jose, Calif.; Ken and Ouida Williams of Athens, Ga.; Kathy Doner of Grant, Fla.; Shelley and Dave Woodyard of Tallahassee, FL; Tim and Donna Williams of Melbourne, Fla.; Tom and Tina Williams of Pensacola, Fla.; and Jill May of Tallahassee. Her proudest accomplishments include eighteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom lovingly called her "Nana." A memorial service will be held at the Gallery in the Parry Center at Westminster Oaks on Thursday, September 4th, at 10:a.m. Funeral and burial will be held in Melbourne on Saturday, Sept. 6th. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial contributions be made to the Florida United Methodist Children's Home, c/o Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1086, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1086. "In memory of me, love one another."

Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 9/3/2008.