Pauline (Polly) Estelle Jackson Williams, 91, of Columbia, died on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Born in Columbia, SC, on August 18, 1933, she was the daughter of the late John Henry and Ruby Crossland Jackson. She was the widow of the late Thomas (Tom) McKendre Williams, Jr. She earned a BA in Religion and Elementary Education from Columbia College, and a Master of Education from University of South Carolina.
Polly lived a life worth celebrating, and will be remembered for her positive impact on many people, as a mother, teacher, friend, church member, and cherished member of her family and community. Polly lived her Christian faith authentically, embodying love, compassion, and forgiveness throughout her life. Her faith in God was central to her identity, and sustained her through life’s challenges.
In her youth, Polly was her father’s sidekick, going everywhere with him and enjoying baseball games. She attended Wardlaw Junior High where she was a member of the Junior National Honor Society. Her family moved from Columbia to Sumter when she was 13 years old, where she attended Edmunds High School and St. Marks Methodist Church. As the eldest of three children, she worked in the family restaurant and helped care for her younger siblings.
Polly met Tom her sophomore year of college while he was serving as a student pastor at St. Mark’s. They married on November 26, 1954 following her graduation from college a year early. The couple moved to Lynchburg, SC where Polly taught at Sherwood School. Tom’s subsequent commissioning as a chaplain in the US Air Force enriched Polly’s life, as the couple travelled around the States and the world.
From 1956-1965, each new Air Force assignment gave Polly fresh opportunities to touch lives. She worked as a teacher in Wendover Utah, Hertfordshire England, Biloxi Mississippi, and Goose Bay Labrador. She was active in youth groups, choirs, protestant women’s associations, educational associations, the Red Cross, bible school, officer’s wives clubs, theatre groups, and more. Her biography and accomplishments through this time are included in the 1965 edition of “Outstanding Young Women of America”.
After the birth of their son, Curt, in Texas, in 1967, the family of 3 were stationed in Germany. Once back in Texas, they welcomed their daughter, Pamela, in 1971. In 1976, the family moved to Blythewood, South Carolina where they built a home and joined Trinity United Methodist Church. Polly returned to the classroom in 1978, teaching second grade at Lonnie B. Nelson, North Springs, and Rice Creek Elementary Schools.
At Trinity, Polly was involved with the United Methodist Women and Youth groups. She established and led the Brownies and Girl Scouts in Blythewood. She actively supported Killingsworth, Epworth Children’s Home and Meals on Wheels. In her later years she and Tom were active in the Hill Climbers group at Trinity. After 38 years in Blythewood Polly & Tom moved to Wildewood Downs Retirement Community in Columbia, but still called Trinity home. After Tom’s death, Polly regularly watched services on the internet. Polly organized and funded the making of Chrismons for Trinity to honor Tom, and in December 2024 it was her great joy to attend worship service in person and see the Chrismons hanging on the tree.
Survivors include her son, Curt Williams (Ebru); daughter, Pamela Hoppock (Todd); and two grandchildren, Connor Williams, and McKendre Williams-Hoppock, and brother Jerry E. Jackson (Jean). In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; and brother John H Jackson, Jr.
The service for Mrs. Williams will be held at 3:30pm, Monday, February 10th, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Blythewood, with the Rev. Scott Smoak and the Rev. Julie Belman officiating. A reception will immediately follow at the church. Burial in Fort Jackson National Cemetery will be held privately and precede the service. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to Trinity United Methodist Church Endowment, 90 Boney Road, Blythewood, SC 29016; or to the Epworth Children’s Home, 2900 Millwood Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205.
Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.
