Paulene Ward Gibson

November 2, 1931 – June 15, 2026

Paulene “Polly” Ward Gibson, age 94, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026. She was born on November 2, 1931, in Columbus County, North Carolina, spent her adult life in Charlotte, and lived the final two years of her life as a resident of The Sharon Nursing Facility in Charlotte.

Polly was preceded in death by her husband, Haskell Thomas Gibson; her parents, James Walter Ward and Golia Long Ward; her sister, Mary Ward Meares; and her brothers, Hubert Edward Ward and James Homer Ward.

She is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Wilma Ward Duncan of Clarendon, North Carolina, and Linda Ward Temple of Raleigh, North Carolina, as well as several nieces and nephews who cherished her presence in their lives.

Polly moved to Charlotte in the early 1950s, where she built a successful and fulfilling career in the telecommunications industry. She began her career with Bell South, later Southern Bell, and ultimately retired as a training manager with AT&T. Throughout her professional life, she was an active member of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA), where she served in several officer roles and contributed to initiatives supporting education and community development.

Outside of work, Polly found great joy in her home and neighborhood. She loved living in the Chantilly community of Charlotte, where she devoted time to cultivating beautiful flowers and maintaining a small vegetable garden. Known for her “green thumb,” she delighted in sharing her harvest with neighbors and friends.

Although she had no children of her own, Polly had a deep affection for the children in her extended family and community. Through her involvement with ABWA, she supported numerous children’s charities and helped raise funds for college scholarships, reflecting her generous and caring spirit.

In accordance with her wishes, no formal services will be held. Those who wish to honor Polly’s memory are encouraged to make a donation to a children’s charity of their choice in recognition of her lifelong commitment to helping others.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of The Sharon Nursing Facility for the compassionate care and support they provided to Polly in her final years.

In keeping with Polly’s wishes and the way she lived—with grace, independence, and a generous spirit—the following poem reflects her outlook on life, friendship, and letting go.

Miss Me But Let Me Go by Christina Rossetti

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not for long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that once we shared

Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take

And each must go alone.

It's all part of the Master’s plan

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart

Go to the friends we know.

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds

Miss me, but let me go.