Mary "Polly" Louise Raines

Polly was born on her family’s farm in Buckingham County, Virginia, on Sunday, December 13, 1936. She was the third of four children born to Louise Cabell (nee Carter) Smith and William Garnett Smith.

In 1941, her parents moved their family to Radford, VA, but frequently returned to the home place to spend summers where they formed fond memories with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Polly graduated early from Radford High School, where she was an outstanding student and enjoyed debating and public speaking. Over the years, she stayed in touch with her Radford friends, enjoying class reunions and visiting her home church, Calvary Baptist.

After high school, Polly attended the University of Virginia School of Nursing in Charlottesville. There, at the Baptist Student Union, she caught the eye of an outgoing, attractive, and kind UVA man, Fred Raines. He became the love of her life. They married in the UVA chapel in December of 1956. Polly completed her studies, graduating in 1957, then joined Fred at Ft. Benning, GA, to begin a military life of travel and adventure. Polly and Fred were married for 66 years. She always said they never had a serious quarrel. She was an exemplary wife and a devoted mother to their four daughters. Polly was a good cook and an organized homemaker. With ease, she entertained all who entered their home. Next-door neighbors, family, and foreign diplomats received her warm southern hospitality.

After retirement from 32 years in military service, Polly and Fred had a good time working as role-players at the FBI Academy in Quantico. She became a force to be reckoned with, earning a mention in a bestselling book about the secrets of the FBI. She served humbly as a church deacon and has been an advocate for competent and effective women wherever they may be. She noted in her Bible that even “daughters” helped repair the walls of Jerusalem. NEH 3:12.

In 1987, Polly began a new adventure as Memaw to the first of twelve grandchildren. She and Fred (Nini) provided loads of fun and excitement and great affection for their big family over the years.

She has been described as smart, sassy, practical, and competitive. She perceived beauty and patterns in ordinary, simple things like rocks and clouds. She enjoyed birds and wildlife, delighted in babies and children wherever she was. Proud to be a “lefty”, she called attention to every left-handed server or Jeopardy contestant.

Polly had an intense appreciation for music. She reveled in all genres and played her recordings loud enough to fill the whole house. Her children have sweet memories of her singing along with the radio as she did housework.

In 2020, after many years in Northern VA, they relocated to Hanover County. Not long after their move, Fred passed away, and Polly, after three years, moved to a wonderful assisted living home nearby to remain close to her family.

There, Polly began another chapter in her life, making new friends and bringing joy and song to everyone blessed to be near her. She will be remembered for her big smile, her cheerful personality, and a beautiful legacy.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Col. Fred Bern Raines, U.S. Army (Ret.), son-in-law, Wade Stokes, parents, William Garnett Smith and Louise Cabell Carter Smith, and her brother, Carter Wilson Smith.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Venetia Redd (Carter), Tara Stokes, Stephanie Salus (Kevin), and Jenny Craig (Dan). Her grandchildren, Samuel Redd (Celina), Anna King (David), Emma Leiter (Michael), Carrie Holst (Daniel), Nathan Craig (Taylor), Bradley Stokes (Elizabeth), William Craig (Sejla), David Craig, Wyatt Salus, Mary Craig, Michelle Salus, and Grace Craig. Her great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Charlotte King, Raines and Rosemary, Lily Leiter, Julian and Rowan Holst, and Emma Craig. Her sisters, Virginia Mooneyhan and Helen Major Hedrick, many nieces and nephews, and a host of dear friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to Polly's visitation at Nelsen Funeral Home, 412 S. Washington Hwy, Ashland, VA 23005, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 12:00 PM until the Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 PM. Polly will be laid to rest beside Fred in Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. Memorial contributions may be donated to a charity of your choice.