Pauline Ulrich Ferguson Tolbert went to join the Lord on the second of July, 2019 with three generations of family members by her side. Polly loved life and lived every day of it with an unwavering faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was blessed with good health until recently and at nearly 95, she made it known that heaven was her heart’s desire.
Polly and her twin sister Claudia (Polly nicknamed her Speedy for her typing skills) were born on August 4, 1924. With a total of 8 Ulrich children (four girls and four boys) there was never a dull moment. Polly graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School under the watchful eyes of her older brothers William, Andy, Paul and Louie. It was her brother Louie, serving in the U.S. Army that brought her future husband home on leave. It was love at first sight and Polly was thrilled to become Mrs. Jack Ferguson. They both worked for the U.S. Postal Service and had two sons, Jackie and Andy. They enjoyed spending time with as many of their family members that they could gather. Sundays after mass, everyone headed to Clear Lake and years later Freeport. The adults played dominoes and poker and the kids swam and played games they made up. Summer vacations were often spent at Garner State Park.
After 35 years of marriage Polly was widowed at age 59. She filled the next 11 years with a zany mixture of travels to Europe, Australia, Ireland and Central America, work, her family and garage sales. Then Polly met a soft-spoken, country and gospel guitar player and singer named Jack Tolbert who she married at age 70. For the first few years of their 22 year marriage they traveled in their RV visiting family and friends. After they settled down at home they continued trips to Corpus Christi so Polly and Speedy could spend time together. During visits their domino games started before breakfast, only stopping long enough to eat, shop or nap and often lasted late into the night.
Polly loved to play poker, bridge and Forty-two. She loved games and loved to win even more! Polly loved to make people laugh and she loved to nurture those in need, visiting family members and friends in the hospital or at home. She was generous with her time and generous with her heart. She never visited empty handed and her gifts were unique and unpredictable; she might bring candy, steamed broccoli, chips and salsa or a cardboard box filled with laundry detergent, paper towels and toilet paper.
She taught those who listened how to love unconditionally and unrelentingly. Polly always wore a smile and a happy disposition to match. She made herself at home no matter where she was. If she had a bad day, she hid it so well no one ever knew. She loved her family dearly and was a proud Mama and a proud Meme. She was a faithful supporter of her sons and grandchildren’s sports activities. At the countless ball games she attended, both sides could hear each and every word that she cheered, not just for her child or grandchild but for the entire team!
She lived with shameless exuberance. Meme loved all the holidays and celebrated each of them with effervescence and unbridled decorations. Depending on the holiday she dressed as an elf, leprechaun or gypsy. Her home, inside and out was adorned with festive sparkle and bling. Her car grew reindeer antlers and a red nose at Christmas.
God blessed Polly with the fruits of the Holy Spirit and more; love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, grace and courage to accept and overcome the losses she suffered in life. Six years ago, at 89, Polly and Jack’s house burned to the ground, fueled by a gusty winter norther that blew in before Christmas. It was a devastating event to endure but Meme relied on God and worked her way through without a complaint. Three years later Polly’s second husband Jack and her son Jackie both departed to meet their heavenly Father within the same year. God held Polly in His hands and mended the pieces of her heart back together.
Anyone who knew Polly, was blessed and honored to share life with her. A life-long Catholic, she wanted the people she knew and those she had never met to know they are loved by the one true God whose grace washes away every sin, every tear, every fear, every pain no matter how large or how ugly. She loved to share that God’s love for people never fails and never ends and that God is the only firm foundation that life can be built on. Without God there will always be a void. She loved to pray the Rosary many times each day and knew that the virgin Mary was a mentor for all mothers. She loved the Lord, leaned on the Lord and lived in the words God wrote for us through scripture: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son Jesus Christ, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. She is living that incredible promise this very moment.
She is survived by her son Andrew Ferguson (Terri), daughter-in-law Jennifer Ferguson, five grandchildren, Shelley Morton (Rick), Sarah Sprengnether (Steve), Carrie Ferguson, Courtney Dennis and Corey Ferguson (Maegan), eight grandchildren Alyssa, Rebecca and Dane Morton, Clara, John and Libby Sprengnether, Brilynn and Brantson Dennis, Millie and Moxie Ferguson and sisters Claudia Robinson and Valerie Stewart. She is predeceased by her first husband Jack Ferguson, second husband Jack Tolbert and son Jack Ferguson, Jr.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, July 9, 2019 from 6-7pm with a Rosary at 7pm at Earthman Resthaven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, July 10th at 11:30am at St. Edwards Catholic Church with a luncheon to follow. The Rite of Committal will be held at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery at 3pm. The procession from St. Edwards to Forest Park will leave at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Edwards Catholic Church, 2601 Spring Stuebner, Spring, TX 77389 or the charity of choice.
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