Emma Pauline "Polly" Gilliland Griffin

Emma Pauline (Polly) Gilliland Griffin, age 97, of Sylacauga passed away, May 27, peacefully in her home. Pauline was born November 30, 1926. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, and her beloved husband Joe.

She is survived by her niece Becky Johns of Stewartville, Emily Straussberger (John) of Chattanooga, Karen Heimel (George) of Morrison and several great and twice great nieces and nephews.

Pauline graduated as Valedictorian of her class from Weogufka High School in 1945 and was active in all clubs. She continued to serve in the Weogufka Alumni. She did Home Demonstration Club and in 1951 became Maid of Cotton.

Pauline met the love of her life, Joe, when she worked for Mr. Griffin at Sokol Furniture and in 1970 they married and moved to Birmingham. They enjoyed life together to the fullest by traveling, entertaining with family and countless friends. Pauline was loved by everyone she met. She was a person of deep faith and loved spending her time with her family that she loved dearly and at church gatherings.

She was a member of Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary and Crestway Baptist Church in Birmingham. When she returned to Sylacauga in 2005, she became a member of First Baptist Church and was very active in her Sunday School Class. She was a member of the Marble Valley Chapter of the DAR and Coosa Valley Auxiliary where she volunteered for 17 years.

A Celebration of Life Graveside Service remembering Pauline will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Sylacauga at 11:00 a.m. Thursday May 30, 2024. The service will be officiated by Pastor Tommy Thornton.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Andrew Gilliland, Thomas Mullins, Rance Johns, Jimmy Johns, David Ingram, and John Straussberger.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Sylacauga, 10 South Broadway Avenue, Sylacauga, AL 35150 and Coosa County Cattleman's Association (Buddy Gilliland Scholarship Fund), 8711 AL Hwy 21, Sylacauga, AL 35151.