Pauline Reuter Benner

In Houston Texas, on the 10th of February 1917, a baby girl was born to Aldina Blackman Reuter and Conrad A. Reuter. The Reuters named their baby after both of her grandmothers—Julia and Pauline. Those beautiful family names were the first of many names, nicknames, and titles that those who knew and loved Pauline would call her during her 95 years, 8 months, and 27 days.

Pauline’s older sister, Aldina, called her Sister, but their cousins gave Pauline her first real nickname. Because of her full head of untamed, frizzy, blonde curls, they started calling her Fluffy –-a name she hated. The cousins were on target, however, because in all her class photos at Harvard Elementary, “Fluffy” indeed stands out from the other girls who had straight hair and severe Buster Brown haircuts.

As a very young child, “Fluffy” was active and high-spirited. Her fun-loving nature often landed her in "hot water" at home. Pauline's parents disciplined her by making her sit in a little red chair—quite a punishment for such a busy girl. Pauline loved to tell the stories of her frequent banishments to that chair. To get through the punishment, she sang “Jesus Loves Me” over and over in her head to remind herself that even though she had angered her parents, Jesus still loved her! In fact, she leaned on the words of “Jesus Loves Me” throughout her life. When she found herself in tedious, painful, frightening, or confrontational situations, she would silently sing the words of her favorite hymn.

Interestingly, Pauline passed the chair down when Elizabeth came along!

Pauline excelled throughout school. As a witty and popular student at Reagan High, Pauline participated in many clubs and activities. Her dance card was always full, and she told of the many boys who ”cut in” to dance with her. She was Drum Lieutenant in the Reagan Redcoats drill team. The Redcoats sponsor started calling her Polly, a nickname which stuck with her among her close friends all of her life. She is still “Polly” to Jimmie Sample, her dear friend of over eighty years.

A 1938 graduate of Rice University, Pauline worked briefly as librarian for the City of Houston. She discovered pretty quickly that "Marion the Librarian" would not be one of her nicknames. She spent most of her first paycheck on a pink blouse that she thought was the prettiest thing she had ever seen. There was only one problem; it was too sheer for the library, and she was asked to go home and change!

Shortly before World War II, Pauline married. Her new name became Mrs. Charles Sims Davis, Jr. In order to be close to Sims before he was sent overseas, she worked for a Washington DC bus company scheduling transport of troops.

Pauline decided that teaching was a great choice for her, even though the dress code was much the same as at the library! She began teaching at Cage Elementary School in HISD. After earning a Masters Degree at the University of Houston, she soon added "Lead Teacher" and then principal to her list of names and titles.

In 1958, Pauline was appointed principal of a new elementary on Rice Boulevard in Meyerland. She was instrumental in having the school named after Edgar Odell Lovett, who had been President of Rice Institute during her days as a student there. Mrs. Davis, as she was known by the students and parents at Lovett, set the tone and high standards for the school which was recognized for its excellence. City Councilman, Dick Gottlieb, one of the Lovett parents, wrote, "If school systems throughout the United States all could have Principals like Pauline Davis, and if School Boards and educators would listen and benefit from the experience of people like Pauline Davis, we would not have a school problem today."

Those early students at Lovett knew that she was responsible for providing them with an excellent school. But, generations of students who passed through those halls, including little Bev Benner, probably remember Mrs. Davis most for her fashionable straight skirts, perfectly coifed hair, polished fingernails, clicking high heel shoes, and the pink Cadillac with impressive fins that was always parked in front of the school.

The teachers loved and respected Pauline. Because she was so tenacious and never gave up on what she thought was right, they referred to her as "the little bulldog." That nickname was one she probably did not know!

Pauline did, however, know and love the name, Aunt JuJu, given to her by her niece, Connie Hibbler. This variation of her middle name, Julia, was later also adopted by Connie’s husband, Bill Knight, and children, Marcie and Powell.

Personal tragedy struck Pauline in March of 1969 when she lost Sims to cancer. One of her teachers, Willean Benner, also died of cancer in October of 1970. Willean left a grieving widower, Charles Benner, and two daughters. Through the matchmaking skills of mutual friends, Irene and Bob Geiger, Pauline became Charles’ “Sweetie.” Pauline quickly took on the titles of retiree, bride, and wife when she became Mrs. Charles Benner on May 27, 1972.

Because Charles brought two grown daughters into the marriage, Pauline added the title of mother to her list. Susan and Beverly still needed a good bit of honing and polishing! Pauline proved to be up to the task and taught them valuable lessons, mostly by example. Do everything with style and grace. Do not complain. Try not to burden others with your troubles. Love your family unconditionally. Cook a great meal and they will come! Serve champagne with everything. Always use cloth napkins. Keep your good friends forever.

The births of the grandchildren, Charles, Jordan, and Elizabeth, brought an interesting naming challenge. Charles quickly became PaPa, but what would they call Pauline? She rose to the occasion and chose "Ma." It was so funny to think of that stylish, gracious lady called by such a "down home" name. But, she loved it!

At their wedding, Charles and Pauline vowed to begin a new life—to “pick more daisies” after the tragedy they had both suffered. They did indeed become “daisy pickers“ in their forty years together. They happily married off their two daughters—Beverly to Larry Rosson and Susan to Bill Givens. They traveled the world, hosted family and friends at beautiful dinner parties, watched their grandchildren grow up, served together at Lions Club functions, worshipped at St. Luke’s Methodist Church, and enjoyed sharing the simple things of life each day.

Pauline and Charles had the opportunity to live together in their home until they were 95. The last twelve years were made possible by the devotion of Jackie King, Annie Benton, and their family and friends who served as caregivers. Words cannot express the abundant blessing they have been to Pauline, Charles, and the entire family.

By whatever name or title you knew her: Sister, Fluffy, Polly, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Benner, Sweetie, Ma, friend, teacher, principal, wife, mother, grandmother, or employer, Pauline lived her life fully and as an example of a dedicated professional, loving family member, devoted spouse, child of God, and one who always knew that Jesus loved her!