Polly Reed Beavers

She was born outside of Starkville, Mississippi, on May 16, 1919. Her parents were John Jefferson Reed and Louellen Kimble Reed. She had 5 brothers: Alan, Belton, Clyde, Austin, and Jay; and 5 sisters: Lyda, Alice, Lottye, Nadine, and Clara. When her father was elected County Clerk of Oktibbeha County, Polly's family moved into the town of Starkville. After she graduated from Starkville High School at the age of 16, Polly attended Mississippi State University and graduated with honors. During her years at Mississippi State, Polly worked for the MSU Athletic Department and was a charter member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority.

While attending MSU, Polly met the love of her life—Knox T. Beavers. They married on October 23, 1943 and moved to Baytown, TX, where Knox worked for Humble Oil and Refining Co. (now Exxon). She taught business classes at Robert E. Lee High School, but stopped teaching school to stay home and raise her girls. Together they raised 3 daughters: Diana, Kay, and Libby. This year, 2013, would have been their 70th wedding anniversary.

Polly Beavers was active in many organizations throughout her life. She was a member of Thursday Forum Ladies Club, 3 PTAs (Lamar Elem., Horace Mann JH, Robert E. Lee HS), Zeta Tau Alpha Alumni, Zeta Mother's Club, Ladies Assn of Goose Creek Country Club, Garden Club, and a book club. She held various offices in these organizations. She also was a Girl Scout Leader.

Polly and her family attended Memorial Baptist Church. She served on many committees at MBC, taught Sunday School, and travelled as a chaperone on youth and mission trips.

Known to many as a wonderful cook, she was always delivering her famous yeast rolls to someone, whether it was her pastor or a neighbor. Her family loved her Southern cooking—especially her 3 sons-in-law at holiday time.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 5 brothers, 5 sisters, and her loving husband, Knox T. Beavers. She is survived by her 3 daughters and their husbands: Diana and Scott Bresk of Houston, Kay and Tom Clanton of Edwards, CO; and Libby and Scott Huntington of Katy. Her surviving grandchildren include: Kelly Clanton Holton and her husband, Michael; Laura Clanton Seelig and her husband, John Mark; John Huntington and his wife, Preetika; and special granddaughter, Mary Claire Huntington. Great-grandchildren are Knox, Kate, and Jay Holton.

Visitation will be held at Navarre Funeral Home Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Services will be held Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Memorial Baptist Church Chapel, 600 W. Sterling St., Baytown, TX 77520, and will be led by Polly's nephew, Jeff Johnson, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Commerce, TX. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The Beavers girls would like to thank the staff at the following facilities which helped their Mother live her later years in life with dignity: Remington Park in Baytown, Grace Care Center in Katy, and Vantage Hospice in Katy. The girls would also like to thank Dr. Chris Hays of Baytown and the doctors and staff of Medical Colleagues of Texas located in Katy for the care they gave Polly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Katy Wolf Pack Special Olympics Team (Robin Judman, Treasurer, 22918 Governshire Drive, Katy, TX 77450) or Grace Lower School Music Department (Attention: Sheila Townsend, 10219 Elle Lee Lane, Houston, TX 77042), or the charity of one's choice.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.