Pauline Twitty (Polly) Smith

Pauline Twitty Smith age 96, 1925-2022, transitioned to her promised new life with her Savior Jesus on February 8, 2022 from Charlotte, NC.
Polly was born in Rock Hill SC on July 24, 1925, the oldest child of Edgar Twitty and Ruth Shaw Twitty. She was also preceded in death by her younger siblings Charles Twitty (Phyllis) and Marcia Twitty Sloan and a special brother-in-law, Pete Sloan.

Polly was married to Julian B Smith, Jr. for 31 years and was the mother of Gerald "Gerry" Smith (Pam) of Waxhaw, NC and Kevin Smith of Fort Mill, SC. She was grandmother to Gerry and Pam's sons; Gabe (Janet), Kyle (Jamie), Stacen (Jessica) and Kevin's daughter, Kelly.
She was great grandmother to twelve great grandchildren; Lauren, Jackson, Savannah and Alexis (Kelly), Madeline (Gabe), Ryan & Owen (Kyle), and Addison, Noelle, Jonathan, Zackary & Logan (Stacen).

She is also survived by a beloved sister-in-law Phyllis Twitty of Davidson, NC, nieces Kim Rodes of Mooresville, NC and Pat Barclay of Denver, CO and nephew Kip Sloan of Greenville, NC.
Polly lost her father to pneumonia at the age of eight. Her 23 year old mother was determined to keep the family together and worked at Springs Mill often on second shift, which made Polly the primary care giver for her two younger siblings at a very young age. She was always a very mature and independent hard worker who was dedicated to the well-being of her family for her entire life. This was her mission. Though humble and kind she possessed a fierce inner strength and intelligence that quietly met and overcame innumerable obstacles.
Polly graduated from Lancaster SC High School where she was taught the secretarial profession, which would serve her well in life. But at the age of eighteen she became a patriot, responding as many women would during World War II and taking on the dangerous and essential work that previously belonged to men and becoming Charlotte's version of Rosie the Riveter.

Every morning before dawn she rode the company bus along the dark and lonely path of Lancaster/Charlotte Highway to Charlotte’s Arrowood area and the wartime converted US Rubber factory, known locally as the "Shell Plant”. It was now producing 75 millimeter anti-aircraft shells for the Navy’s World War II battle demands. Polly’s line of women produced thousands of detonators for two years.

When the war ended she moved on to executive secretarial duties at Eagle Stores and Jack’s Cookie Company and then accounts payable careers at United Supply Company and finally retired at the age of 70 from Duff Norton Company in Charlotte. During her entire working career she missed only about a week due to illnesss. She was known as a competent, dependable and extremely agreeable person. It was often said that if you couldn't get along with Polly, you couldn't get along with anyone.
Polly was a disciple of Jesus and always found her true identity and purpose in that relationship. She was also a 70 year member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte where she reared her sons and made many life long friends. She was truly a servant who reflected the mind of Christ to selflessly put others before herself.
Polly was always known as a gracious and giving individual who always encouraged others in every circumstance. If you needed a boost she was the one to see. She was so very proud of her family and was a role model for all of them. Her son's Gerry and Kevin were the loves of her life and she was their rock, their encourager and their constant true North, successfully exercising 'the power of love and expectation'. She also had a special 57 year loving friendship with her daughter-in-law Pam who always selflessly shared her home, her life and her love for Polly’s happiness.

Kevin, Gerry and Pam celebrate her totally loving life and now her transition to Heaven with joy. They wish to thank all of her family and friends for the support and love given to her through the years that enriched her life. Your story became a part of hers and it made all the difference.
We are also grateful for the staff of Sharon Towers for their genuine care for Miss Polly. And finally, to Jesus the Christ, who by Polly’s embrace, paid her sin debt, thereby granting the extraordinary gift of her new eternal life.

After a long and significant life Polly will be laid to rest in the family parcel at Unity Cemetery in Fort Mill, SC after a private family graveside service officiated by her grandson, Rev. Gabriel K Smith.

Donations in her honor and memory may be made to the Resident Assistant Fund at Sharon Towers, 5100 Sharon Rd. Charlotte, NC 28210 or to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28204