Born in January of either 1938 or 1939 (she argues it's the former but her birth certificate states the latter), Polly Watson was born in South Carolina. Polly's maternal instincts kicked in young after her mother passed in childbirth when she was 11 and there were a lot of younger siblings to care for.
Polly married Paul Cothran young and went on to have 7 children. Those children have grown, married and have given Polly many, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Polly loved all her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren FIERCELY.
Polly cared for (when most children with Down Syndrome were institutionalized) and buried her son, Gregory Rome when he was 3. Polly cared for (when most people with Alzheimer's are put into homes) and buried her husband of over 30 years while raising a toddler son. Both being examples of what an amazingly strong and devoted woman, mother, and wife Polly was. She also loved Jesus with all of her heart. Her numerous Bibles were found placed around her house dog-eared and covered in notes and highlighter
A decade ago, I began dating Polly's youngest son. The son she raised alone after her husband passed when Matt was 6. Polly's first words to me over dinner at Outback were "if you marry Matthew, your kids will come out talking." (she was right about that!) I exhausted myself trying to get Polly's approval. She was a tough one to crack and I wasn't used to people not warming up to me. But I kept trying. Now that I'm older, I can look back and realized that her encouraging Matt to reach out to me after we took a break from our relationship, her not disapproving outwardly of our marriage, and her rarely questioning my actions as a mother was her approval. She still gave me a run for my money, but spending a few hours with her in the hospital, she revealed that she approved and loved me. And I realized that losing her was going to hurt so very badly.
Polly is survived by her 6 children and their families...people who didn't always agree with her overly opinionated personality, but loved her so much they slept sitting up in the hospital just so she wouldn't be alone, bathed her when she couldn't bathe herself, and even fought medical professionals when they felt her care was sub-par. All of these people also have their own stories about Polly, guaranteed to make you chuckle and/or gasp in disbelief.
Polly's last moments were spent in the incredible Hospice House in High Point. She took her last breath in the presence of her daughter and granddaughter. And, her larger than life presence will be so missed in our family. Polly loved flowers. So much. So, if you're inclined to send flowers, we welcome them at Davis Funeral Home in High Point. In a world full of well behaved women...be a Polly.
