Polly Medearis

Pauline Grace McGee Medearis passed away Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, at The Pines at Davidson. She was 94.

Born on Oct. 13, 1915, in Elberton, Georgia to the late Robert James and Mattie Ramseur McGee, she was predeceased by her husband John William Medearis and two brothers, Thomas Earl McGee and Robert Conway McGee.

She grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina and relocated with her family first to Lincolnton and later to Greensboro. She attended Flora MacDonald College in Red Springs, N.C., where she studied voice. She continued her voice studies at Greensboro College where she met a young baritone who later became her beloved husband, Johnny.  They enjoyed singing together as soloists in their church choir at Buffalo Presbyterian, and in many musical productions in Greensboro as members of the Greensboro Euterpe Club and with other musical groups.

They had one child, Jean, born and raised in Greensboro.

In addition to singing with Johnny, Polly sang for many years at the Jewish Reformed Temple in Greensboro. She also enjoyed a long career in the research and testing laboratory of Cone Mills Corporation. She and Johnny relocated to Davidson in 1998.

The greatest joys of her life were her family, her music and her many church activities. She was a woman of great faith and faithfulness to her Lord. Known for her enthusiasm and expertise in gardening, Polly cultivated an enviable garden and created equally outstanding special dishes and meals. She especially enjoyed sharing the fresh produce with friends and neighbors.

She is survived by her daughter Jean Medearis Johnston (Robert Eugene Johnston) of Cornelius, two granddaughters Elizabeth Johnston Strahan (Thomas P. Strahan, Jr.) of Huntersville; Kathryn Johnston Tart (Joseph L. Tart, Jr.) of Dunn, N.C., five great grandchildren and two step great grandchildren as well as a half-sister Elizabeth McGee Taylor of Melbourne, Fla.

The family would like to thank The Pines staff and Hospice of Lake Norman for their loving and caring service to Polly. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Pines at Davidson, Resident Support Fund, 400 Avinger Lane, Davidson, NC 28036.

A memorial service was held Sunday, Dec. 20, at Buffalo Presbyterian Church, 803 Church Street Extension, Greensboro, North Carolina.

Lambeth-Troxler Funeral Home is assisting the Medearis family. Online condolences may be made at www.lambethtroxlerfuneralhome.com.