Polly Debardeleben Smith
DUNEDIN - Polly Debardeleben Smith, age 82, of Dunedin, Florida passed away on Monday, November 14, 2022.
Polly Debardeleben Smith, born February 17,
1940, in Jefferson City, Missouri, to Mabel and Fredrick Debardeleben, passed away in Dunedin, Florida, on November 14, 2022. Polly grew up in Memphis,
Tennessee, where she lived on Vollintine Avenue with her parents and two brothers. During her childhood she attended Trinity United Methodist Church in
Memphis, beginning a lifelong membership in and love for the United Methodist Church.
Polly graduated from Central High School in Memphis, Tennessee. She attended Lambuth College in Jackson, Tennessee, before completing her studies and graduating from Memphis State University. She was a member of Delta Zeta sorority.
In 1962, Polly married William Eleck Smith (Wes), to whom she was married for more than sixty years. She gave life to two sons, in 1965 and 1971, respectively. Her devotion to and love for family, both immediate and extended, was central to her being. Her favorite times were visits with family. Without exception, Polly placed the interests of her family above all else.
Early in her marriage, she moved first from Memphis to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and then to Athens, Georgia, in support of her husband’s graduate studies. To her family’s great benefit, Polly and Wes settled in the Athens area, where they lived for almost 50 years.
Polly worked in the home during the first years of each of her son’s lives, placing their interests above her career. Polly worked in early childhood education for a period of time before beginning a long work affiliation with the University of Georgia. She worked in the UGA Athletic Ticket Office during the late 1970s and early 1980s, before later moving to positions at UGA Parking Services and the Graduation Office of the Graduate School. Polly was a proud Georgia Bulldog. She loved playing a small role in the Athletic Department during Georgia’s 1980 football national championship season.
Polly cared for her sick and aging mother, juggling the demands of family life and employment while caregiving for her mother for many years at great personal sacrifice. She honored her mother.
Polly was a longtime active member of Watkinsville First United Methodist Church, where she formed many of her most significant personal friendships over many years. She was a member of the Laura O’bryant Circle and Progressive Sunday School class.
Polly lived the last five years of her life in Dunedin, Florida, during which time she received care from her husband, her son, Shannon, and his wife, Donna, as well as from caregivers with whom she formed close and significant relationships. In particular, Kelly, Pam and Ashley each enjoyed a bond with Polly beyond their role as caregivers.
Polly leaves her husband of more than 60 years, William Eleck Smith; two sons, Shannon Eleck Smith (Donna) of Dunedin, Florida, and Kirk Debardeleben Smith (Whitney) of Birmingham, Alabama. Polly was blessed with grandchildren: Piper and Hailey Smith, Victoria Crusan, and Eric Jackson, along with four great-grandchildren: Laynee, Pierce and Molly Jackson, and Liam Crusan.
She is preceded in death by her brothers, Fred A. Debardeleben, Jr. and Jimmy Ray Debardeleben.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Building Fund at Watkinsville First United Methodist Church, 1331 New High Shoals Road, Watkinsville, Georgia 30677.
A visitation for Polly will be held Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 2853 SUNSET POINT RD, CLEARWATER, FL 33759. A funeral service will occur Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 12:30 PM to 1:15 PM, 2853 SUNSET POINT RD, CLEARWATER, FL 33759. A committal service will occur Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2860 SUNSET POINT RD, CLEARWATER, FL 33759. A reception will occur Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 2853 SUNSET POINT RD, CLEARWATER, FL 33759.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http:// protect-us.mimecast.com/s/w6kbcqxpkyf7xpomotedafu?domain=sylvanabbey.com for the Smith family.