Mary "Polly" Elizabeth Whitlow

Mary Elizabeth (Polly) Jones Whitlow went home to be with the Lord on November 10, 2024 at age 87. She was the youngest of 5 children born to J.W. and Mariana Jones of Little Rock, Arkansas on June 27, 1937. Polly is survived by her husband John David Whitlow, son John David Whitlow Jr. (Brenda), daughter Susan Wesson (Jim), and grandchildren: Taylor Wesson, Hannah Wesson Chavez (Levi) and Carolyn Whitlow (Taylor) along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Elizabeth’s father gave her the nickname “Polliwog” since she was the baby of the family. It quickly became Polly and remained for her entire life. She had 3 older brothers (Billy, Bobby and Jimmy Jones) and one sister (Carolyn Jones Pendergraft). She loved her large family and cherished the memories she had growing up with them on C Street. She met her dearest friend, Martha Harris Rosenbaum, in preschool at Second Baptist Church and together they giggled their way through life. At a young age, Polly surrendered her life to Christ and had a steadfast faith and trust in the Lord that never wavered.

Polly graduated in 1959 from Ouachita Baptist University earning a degree in elementary education. She loved her time at OBU making many life long friends and meeting a “really fun guy” on the tennis court. She and John married the same year and headed off to New Jersey to fulfill his ROTC commitment as she began her teaching career with a classroom of 45 kindergartners. They returned home to Little Rock, welcomed their 2 children and settled in for a 36 year career teaching first and second grade at Wakefield Elementary and Bates Elementary while actively serving in Alpha Delta Kappa teacher’s sorority.

When her 4 grandchildren came along she loved making kitchen “concoctions” with Stephen, eating mystery meals with Taylor, trying to organize Carolyn and trying to harness Hannah’s flair for life. When traveling together Polly created “Home Church” where the grandchildren were put in charge of the sermon, scripture reading, music and even the offering. At our cherished family holiday called “Thanksmas”, we could always count on her creating unique games for us to play.

Polly was very patient and practical but always enjoyed laughter, with a little bit of spunk. She was a hard worker, faithful to her church and loyal to her many friends and family.

The greatest hardship in her life was losing her 12 year old grandson Stephen Whitlow to brain cancer in 2008. We know they are creating another special concoction together once again!

The family would like to thank Visiting Angels, especially Malary Dulaney for her excellent care, compassion and commitment to Polly over her last few months and to Mendy Barnes RN of Gentiva Hospice. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 11am with visitation at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries 9701 West Markham Little Rock, AR 72205.

A livestream of the Celebration of Life will be available at vimeo.com/event/3938743. Password: GSFBC