Obituary of Polly Lou Edwards Sample

GREEN - Polly Lou Edwards Sample, 86, passed away May 5, 2021. Polly was born in Akron and graduated from North High School, Class of ’53. She had a long career in secretarial administration at Babcock & Wilcox, retiring in 1999, and then continuing for another 15 years in corporate security. Our mother fit no stereotype. She was a lady who exemplified determination and grace. A woman who knew, when she met our father, that he was the only one for her. They married each other three times and would joke about three rings and three anniversaries. Polly was a magna cum laude graduate from Capital University, where she was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa. It took four decades to accomplish her bachelor’s degree, all while working full-time and raising four sons and our dad. She raced for Bridenthal Ford, winning nine trophies in a row. Her last race was only a few years ago, in her Lincoln, on a Sunday against her brother Fred. She had been in the garden club, Toastmasters International, and took courses in welding and small engine repair. An award-winning artist herself, Polly also served as a painting judge at the Ohio State Fair. She was a quilter, a member of The Chapel, a Sunday school teacher, and held several positions on various boards of directors, including Tole Painters of the Western Reserve, B&W Federal Credit Union, and Summit County Board of Health. She was a caretaker of several family members, and would often quote the verse “Honor your father and mother that your days may be long, the first commandment with a promise.” Polly was a constant organizer, Thank You card writer, hostess, NASCAR fan, reader and exerciser, riding her exercise bike six miles a day, up to the day she passed. Above all, her greatest legacy will be her quiet and deep faith in Jesus Christ, her Savior. That faith sustained her through hardships and victories. She loved well, and was well loved . . . our mom. Polly was preceded in death by her husband Don, parents, Frank & Edna Edwards, sisters, Nancy, Genie, Dorthy, and Elsie; brothers, Richard and Jim; step-granddaughter, Lisa Went; sister-in-law, Jo Sample Campbell, and daughter-in-law, Darlene. Survivors include son Charlie (Patty) and children, Jacqueline, Elizabeth (Rich), Ella and Emilia Schwenning; son Don (Kathy) and children, Dawn (Jacques) Pan-Kita, John (Jennifer) May; son Jim (Beth) and children, Molly and Rebecca; son Jeff; brothers, Bill Edwards, Fred and (Sherry) Edwards; sister, Retha (Jack) Baughman; sister-in-law, Joan Edwards; brother-in-law, Jon (Judy) Sample; sisters-in-law, Judy Sample and Martha (Phil) Weiner, and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Friends are invited to Redmon Funeral Home for visitation Tuesday 5 to 8 PM, where Rev. Mike Nichols will conduct service Wednesday 11 AM. Burial Greensburg Cemetery.