WATSON & SONS FUNERAL HOME

PO BOX 232/1554 SH 7 EAST

CENTER, TEXAS 75935

PHONE: 936-598-4331        FAX: 936-591-9944

www.watsonandsonsfh.com

 

 

Pollyanne Barron Smith, loving mother and wife, passed away at the age of 78 on March 9th, 2021, after a 7 month long battle with cancer.

 

Polly was born on February 24, 1943, to Mae and Jack Barron. She grew up in Center, TX, graduating from Center High School in 1960. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Political Science from Baylor University in 1964 and her Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1979. She spent many happy years making learning fun for hundreds of kindergarten and other early elementary school students. Polly raised her two children in Center and retired from Center I.S.D. in 1995.

 

In 2002, Polly married her high school sweetheart, Larry Smith. They enjoyed traveling and planting vegetables in the garden. Polly was a wonderful cook who loved sharing the fruits of her labor. The Christmas season was always a favorite time for sharing treats like gingerbread men and homemade fudge. She enjoyed spending time with those she loved, visiting over coffee or playing bridge. She was always creating something: preserves from the seasonal East Texas bounty, crochet-edged baby blankets, homemade bread and fun dishes to serve at the next group function. She was an active member of several organizations including her book club, The Women’s Reading Club, Beta Sigma Pi, and the First United Methodist Church Bell Choir. Memories of Polly’s kindness and her wit will be treasured by family and friends.

 

Polly Smith was preceded in death by her parents, Mae Walling Barron and Jack Claude Barron; and her brother Jack Walling Barron.

 

Polly Smith is survived by her husband, Hubern Larry Smith of Center, TX; her daughter, Lois Anne Bessinger and husband Glenn Bessinger of Allen, TX; her son, John Richard Lane of Corpus Christi, TX; her grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and many beloved cousins.

There will be a graveside service at Oaklawn Cemetery in Center, TX at 2:00 p.m., May 15, 2021.  Friends and family are invited to take a few minutes to view a video of memorial photos in the visitation room at Watson & Sons Funeral Home between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the day of the graveside service.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Fannie Brown Booth Library, 619 Tenaha Street, Center, TX 75935.

 

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com