Polly Smith

Mrs. Smith was the daughter of the late Ila Hasty and Luke Chapman. Polly had battled cancer for 3 years. She was known for her porcelain "praying" snow babies that she made and gave away hundreds over the last few years to help remind people to pray. She was a self-taught seamstress who became an accomplished couturier, producing a wardrobe worthy of Madison Avenue for her two teenaged daughters as well as other family members and friends. In time, she explored other creative expressions, such as ceramics, decoupage, and antique restoration. Over the years, these passions gave way to porcelain doll making, in which she became a certified master dollmaker. Her experiences in sewing and other arts became the foundation of the skills required to create the doll, as well as designing an accompanying wardrobe and accessories. An active member of Hoyle Memorial United Methodist Church, her faith grew, along with her desire to give hope to those finding themselves in a tight spot. In her later years the doll making evolved into making and giving away porcelain praying snow babies. Her joy was in giving snow babies as a reminder that God cares for us, and that prayer helps us to move forward. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Terri Beam and a sister, Blanche Watts. In addition to her husband of 58 years, Jerry B. Smith, she is survived by a son Mike Smith and Barbara of Tampa, FL, daughter Tracey McKee and Jerry of Huntsville, TX., son-in-law Tony Beam of Belew's Creek, NC, and grandchildren Brandon Smith of Atlanta, GA., Jordan Beam of Cedar Rapids, IA., Erin McKee-Bost & husband , Phil of Durham, NC, Kristy Watkins & husband Kevin of Burlington, NC, Jake McKee of Hattiesburg, MS, Zack McKee of Huntsville, TX, Katie Beam of Belew's Creek, NC, Morgan Smith of Tampa, FL, and Betty Tyson of Pinehurst, NC. The family would like to express their appreciation to Hospice workers, Barbara, Jennifer & Lindsay for their compassionate care. A Celebration of Life will be held at Hoyle Memorial United Methodist Church, Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 1:00 P.M. with the Rev. Veranita Alvrod, Dr. Bob Kerr & Rev. David Duncan officiating. A receiving of friends will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150, or Hoyle Memorial United Methodist Church Building Fund, 1741 Fallston Road, Shelby, NC 28150.