Polly Beth Wood Earnhart, age 75, passed away in the early hours of Friday, June 14, 2024, after a courageous battle with Lewy Body. Polly was born on January 21, 1949, in Sherman, Texas to Leslie and Ellen Wood and grew up surrounded by a loving family. She had one sister, Mary, and one brother, Prince, along with her grandparents and many aunts, uncles, and cousins who she loved dearly. She was influenced by her family to be a productive member of her community, working on their dairy farm and always giving time to her family, friends, church, students, and other important interests throughout her life.
Polly was a graduate of S&S High School, where she was a standout basketball player, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Howard Payne University and a master’s degree from East Texas State University (currently known as Texas A&M University-Commerce). She dedicated her life to teaching and inspiring young minds as a middle school teacher at S&S, Whitesboro, and Callisburg school districts. Through her unwavering commitment to her students, she touched the lives of countless young people, fostering a love for learning and encouraging them to reach their full potential. Her colleagues deeply admired her dedication and passion for her craft.
Outside of her teaching career, Polly had a passion for gardening, traveling, and watching sports, game shows, and Dr. Phil. She was also deeply involved with Youth for Understanding (YFU), a global non-profit organization dedicated to intercultural exchange and educational programs. As a long-time volunteer with YFU, Polly took great pleasure in supporting young people who aspired to experience life in the United States. She recruited host families and served as a student representative during their stay. Polly also welcomed several exchange students into her own home from various countries including Hugo (Argentina), Chris (Sweden), Monica (Sweden), Espen (Norway), Leen (Belgium), Lene (Denmark), Frederic (Switzerland), Sandy (Germany), Miguel (Colombia), and Elena (Spain).
Early on, Polly belonged to Sadler Baptist Church but later became an active member of First Baptist Church of Whitesboro. There, she actively participated in the Women of the Word Sunday school class, cherishing the time spent worshiping and connecting with her friends.
Polly is survived by her children Lesley (Thomas), Clint (Aryn) and Mark (Peggy); her grandchildren Tayler (Aaron), Hunter, Matthew, and Evan; her great-grandchildren Addisyn and Piper; her sister Mary (Bobby); and her sister-in-law, Melba.
A celebration of Polly’s life will take place on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Whitesboro, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Sadler Cemetery, 768 Rogers Road, Whitesboro, Texas 76273, to support the maintenance of the property.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Polly was a very energetic and positive person. I taught with her at S &S and she was the one recommended me for the job. I lived across from Ellen for twenty years until I moved to Salado. Polly would always call if she knew Clint was headed to swim with our Rottweiler Toby or run his four wheeler on the horse track we had in the pasture. A great friend and neighbor.
Lesley and Family, our dearest condolences for the loss of Ms. Polly. We pray today, the goodness of our lord and savior be with you all.
Many blessings,
Love Avery and Kim Stanley
Dear Lesley and family. Polly was a great friend, educator, Mother and Grandmother. She was so proud of each of you. She loved her church and the Lord. May you all find peace in your precious memories of Polly. God bless all of you!
I grew up in the same church as Polly. She was always using her beautiful voice singing special music and she also played the organ faithfully for the Lord. Prayers for all the family.
Betty Greene Smith
Lesley, our deepest condolences to you and your family. May god give you the power and strength to overcome these difficult times in life.
Even though I didn’t see Polly often due to no longer living in north Texas, I am sad about her passing. So many happy childhood memories fill my mind; I can still hear her laugh. She was passionate about things that were important to her, as stated above. Family, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Polly was a wonderful friend. She was an inspiration to her family and she loved them, beyond measure. She always had a smile on her face, where ever she went. She loved her church. God bless her sweet family. Sending heartfelt prayers for all. Janice Phelps and sons and their families.
My family moved to Sadler from Cleveland Ohio. Polly was first my Sunday school teacher and second the person who pierced my ears using a sewing machine needle and ice. The best memories of her kindness and beauty inside and out.
I’m very sorry for your loss. I’m keeping all the family in my thoughts and prayers!!
I knew Polly all of her growing up years and she was a very precious friend. She was a very talented singer and musician, a loving and caring person. Our loss is heaven’s blessing.
I’m sending prayers for your family’s healing, peace, and celebration for Polly’s heavenly homecoming.
A life well lived, and a fight well fought…rest in paradise Polly.
My deepest condolences for the loss of your mother. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Polly. She is at peace with Heavenly Father. Prayers for her family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I lost my Dad at 29 and it was extremely difficult for me. Polly was a wonderful human being and will be missed by many.
I met Polly when my good friend Lesley introduced her mother to me. I was living in Dallas (800 miles away from home in Tennessee) and felt an immediate kinship. Polly actually reminded me of my own mother. And I heard Polly say more than once that she considered me like her own. What a compliment. One thing Polly and I bonded over was our love of cats. Back in the 1990s, Polly raised and sold Persian cats. And I became the proud owner of two of them.
I eventually left Texas, but every subsequent contact I had with Polly, even if it were just on FB, made me wish I lived close so I could spend time with her. No doubt Polly will be missed by many people. Thankfully, there is comfort in knowing that Polly has gone to be with The Lord.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Polly was my junior high teacher and basketball coach. I’ve always admired her and have great memories of her at school. She always went above and beyond to help her students. Later, she taught my son at Callisburg and he also considered her a great teacher. May her memory live on, and may she rest in peace.
Lesley, I’m sincerely sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and everyone who knew and loved your mother. You all are in my positive thoughts and prayers as you grieve and go through this difficult time. Polly sounds like she was a wonderful woman of great impact. I know she will be missed.
Went to school with Polly and she was always friendly and positive
Our loss is Heaven’s gain. Polly was a very devoted and caring teacher of my son many years ago at Rad Ware. Her interest in his education and well being was very well recognized. My love and prayers are with you. Precious memories fill my heart. God Bless each of you.