Pauline Elizabeth Elmore Alley

Polly was born in Catawba County on March 4, 1927 to the late John Henry and Grace Miller Elmore. She graduated from Catawba High School and went on to earn her nursing degree from Mitchell College in Statesville. In 1948 she wed Murel Blake Alley, to whom she was married for 48 years prior to his death in 1996.

After her career in nursing, she worked for many years for Carolina Tables in Hickory, and was a member of the American Legion Post 48 Auxiliary in Hickory, and was also a member of the Catawba Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Polly and Blake lived in Hickory before moving back to the family home in Catawba in 1989. Her immediate and extended family were always Polly’s great passion, and because of her non-judgmental and unconditional love, she was a much sought after advisor, comforter, mentor and friend to both family and friends alike. She loved shoes, shopping with her sister Faye, the beach, hosting family and friends at her home and sharing her famous chicken pies, pecan pies and rum balls.

In addition to her parents, Pauline was preceded in death by her husband Blake; sisters Elsie, Ruby, Billie and Mabel.

She is survived by her sister Faye Rufty; brother John Elmore, Jr. both of Catawba; daughters Joan Pope and husband Larry of Catawba, Pamela Wiebusch and husband Todd of Cornelius; grand-daughters Alley Katherine Grissom and Sarah Wiebusch Rideout; numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews who all loved her like a mother and grandmother.

Polly was a lifelong member of Catawba United Methodist Church in Catawba, NC. A Celebration of her life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 28, 2016 at Catawba United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held at the church from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at Catawba Memorial Park immediately following the service.

The family would like to thank the caregivers who helped Polly remain comfortable and safe in her family home until her death.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation at www.Parkinson.org.