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 (Columbia), 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 took 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. 
 

To sign the online registry, please go to www.meadorfuneral.com.