Loretta Polson Brooks

Mittie Loretta Polson Brooks of Columbia, SC, passed away on June 4th, 2025. Loretta, as she preferred to be called, was born in Camden, SC, on October 16, 1937, to James Cleveland Polson and Evelyn Hipp Polson.

Loretta was a strong, independent woman who spent her early years after cosmetology school moving to Charlotte, NC, to hone her skills and practice. She then returned to Columbia, SC, to become a business owner and beautician of L&M Style Center at Rosewood Shopping Center, where she positively impacted the lives of many and fostered new friendships.

One of her favorite memories was in 1970, driving across the country with her brother Jimmy and son Aaron from California in a '67 Chevelle Super Sport. They enjoyed the countryside of many states, including Texas, and had an extended stop in Mississippi to fix the car. Despite the delay, it was the quality time spent together that mattered most.

Loretta didn’t believe much in conventional medicine; instead, she relied on home remedies, using Time Life medical books and her physician's desk reference to concoct her own remedies.

In her free time, Loretta enjoyed gardening and cooking for the family during the holidays. She kept a large family home due to her love of hosting family gatherings and togetherness. In the words of her family, “She could cook a mean meal!” She loved her family deeply, and they reciprocated that love.

Later in life, Loretta cherished her frequent phone conversations with her granddaughter Kathryn, often updating her on the upcoming weather in the states where Kathryn resided.

Loretta is survived by her son, Aaron Brooks (Melissa); granddaughters, Alex Warner (Wes), Kathryn Starnes (Travis), and Mary Brooks; sisters, Brenda Cox (Al), Linda Turner, and Mary Evelyn Self (Danny); as well as many nieces, nephews, and great grandchild, Sullivan Warner.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Sarah Jane Kolb; brother, James (Jimmy) Polson; and brother-in-law, Hugh Turner.

The graveside service for Loretta will be held at 2 o’clock PM on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at Crescent Hill Memorial, 2603 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC.