Pauline 'Polly' Gifford

Pauline (Polly) Gifford, age 95, at the stroke of midnight, was called home to be by God's side in Heaven. Her daughter, Carolyn May-Moni, was blessed to be by her side holding her hand in her suite at Country Village Care, in Angleton, Texas when she peacefully went to be with the Lord. Polly is once again also together with her beloved husband, Rev. DeLloyd Gifford. Polly was born in Adger, Alabama to Horace Kirk Parsons and Velma Pearl Franklin on January 19, 1922. Then in December 1930, because of the Great Depression her parents decided to move to Texas for a better life. So they loaded up the 1926 Model-T Ford with her parents, Polly, 2 brothers, 1 sister, an uncle, and 1 dog and headed to Texas. It took them 3 days over very rough roads. Little did Polly know what her life's adventure would be. The family settled near Groesbeck, Texas. In school she loved to play softball and basketball. She was also in a singing group traveling to various events in the area. The family raised cotton, corn, peas and other vegetables. Chopping cotton was not her thing and she would pray that a good-looking man with a car would come and rescue her. Many years later that day came only at a 6-man football game in Danbury, Texas where she was visiting her sister and brother-in-law. Polly spotted a tall good-looking young man walking toward her across the football field. That, as she said, was it. She knew immediately he was the ONE. On March 8, 1941 Polly married DeLloyd Gifford. He went to work for Dow and they started their family, a son Jerry and daughter Carolyn, in a home they built on Cemetery Road in Angleton. Life was good. Then the adventure began. DeLloyd was called into the ministry. He quit Dow to serve God full-time. Polly supported his decision knowing they would sacrifice their "comfortable" life. Her faith was strong and knew that God would provide their "needs" if not their "wants." Polly and DeLloyd established the Capitol Missionary Baptist Church in West Columbia, Texas in October, 1953. Working as a team, side by side, the church grew. Polly filled whatever role was asked of her to support her husband and the church. She taught herself to play the piano, served as church clerk, Sunday School teacher, and many other roles. Polly was a member for nearly 64 years. She was always willing to open her home to missionaries and their families if they needed a place to stay, to ministers during the church revivals, to children who needed extra care and love or to anyone who just needed someone to talk to. Obituary for Pauline (Polly) Gifford January 19, 1922 - May 27, 2017 pg. 2 Polly loved people, food, gospel music, and fellowship. Spending time with her friends at church and singing were her passions. She never met a stranger. Always greeting people with her sweet smile, open arms, and loving heart. Polly was preceded in death by her husband Rev. DeLloyd Scott Gifford, her son-in-law Maurice R. Moni, Jr., her parents, 2 brothers Horace E. Parsons, Kyle Parsons, and 2 sisters Ozella Plummer and Ruby Parsons. She is survived by her son, Jerry Gifford(Glenn) and daughter, Carolyn May-Moni; two granddaughters, Renee Harlen (Luke), Patricia Heffley(Chris); four great grandchildren, Courtney and Shelby Harlen, and Chris and Katelyn Smith; and many nephews, nieces and scores of good friends. Pallbearers will be Danny Beard, Toby Kirkpatrick, Melvin Doolan, Dennis Cleveland, Don Vanscoy, Jeff Parsons, and alternate Bryan Cleveland. Honorary pallbearers are Horace Alton Parsons and Ray Pruitt. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, June 3, 2017, at Capitol Baptist Church, 809 E. Bernard Street, West Columbia, Texas at 10 a.m. with Rev. Kenneth James and Rev. Gerald Walker officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarlawn Haven-Rest, West Columbia, Texas. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Capitol Baptist Church, P.O. Box 544, West Columbia, Texas. Please write "In memory of Polly" on the check. Polly loved to sing so she asked all donations be used to purchase new hymnals for the church. After the service Polly wishes all family and friends to celebrate her life by sharing good food and fond memories, and listening to gospel music in the church fellowship hall. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Palm Funeral Home, 2300 East Mulberry, Angleton, Texas. Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Pauline "Polly" Gifford (Parsons), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Service Information Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 10:00am, Capitol Baptist Church 809 East Bernard West Columbia, TX 77486