Polly, 88 years old, of Jackson, Mississippi, died in Frisco, Texas on December 23, 2023.

She was born on December 4, 1935 in Cotton Plant, Arkansas. Polly attended Cotton Plant schools, Arkansas State University, and graduated Evansville College majoring in Music Education and minoring in Voice. During her college years she was involved in Alpha Gamma Delta sorority including serving as President. Polly directed the sorority in the Greek Song Festival for four years. Polly will be remembered as being kind, considerate, and loving to all who knew her.

She was a follower of Jesus Christ. Her faith was a shining example of God’s love and grace. Polly was a proud member of Woodland Hills Baptist Church faithfully serving as choir member, soloist, and teacher. She was also a valued staff member serving as Receptionist.

Polly was the neighborhood witch during Halloween. Her entertaining antics included an ear-piercing cackle, serving bubbling witch’s brew and poison apples. Through the years, this fun-filled tradition drew generations of Trick-or-Treaters and was even the topic of a local television news segment and a newspaper article.

Polly married Billy “Bill” Joe Swan of Pocahontas, Arkansas in 1956, moved to the Jackson, Mississippi area in 1962, and lived there for over sixty years. In 2022 due to failing health, Polly and Bill moved to Frisco, Texas to be cared for by their only son, Bret, and his family.

Polly is survived by her husband of 67 years, Bill; son Bret; his wife, Benita; and their daughters Lucy and Annie. Polly is preceded in death by her mother Mattie (Swindle) Welch, father Porter Welch, and twin sister Geraldine “Gerri” Welch.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Parkway Funeral Home and Parkway Memorial Cemetery, 1161 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland, MS 39157 at 10 AM on Saturday, December 30.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Polly’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. By using this website www. stjude.org/donate you can donate online, via telephone, or print a form and mail it.