Pollack “Polly” Ann Williams, 33, of Hixson, Tennessee, died on Friday, February 8, 2008 at her residence. Polly was born in Memphis, Tn., and had lived most of her life in Johnson City, Tn.
She was the daughter of Susan Lancaster Rule and George Alex Williams, II. Her stepfather was Jim Rule.
Polly was a graduate of University High School in Johnson City where she was a member of the Academic Decathlon that was ranked third in the nation. She graduated with honors from Virginia Tech where she majored in English with a concentration in Shakespearian studies and a minor in communications. While at Virginia Tech she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She remained an avid Virginia Tech "Hokie."
Polly had been featured in Lauren Greenfield’s HBO documentary THIN. She was also a lobbyist for the National Eating Disorders Association.
Polly loved children and butterflies. She used her love for children in her work, photographing children for LifeTouch studios with JC Penny Company. She received recognition for her photography by becoming the district event coordinator in Hixson LifeTouch Studios and by winning manager of the month, sales average achievement award and was featured in JC Penny’s master gallery photography book.
Her sisters remember that her life motto was simply "Believe."
She is survived by her mother and step-father, Susan and Jim Rule of Johnson City; her father, Alex Williams of Gray; her maternal grandparents, Barbara and Hanes Lancaster; her fraternal grandmother, Isabel Daniels Williams all of Johnson City; three sisters, Bebe W. Reed and her husband Bo of Cartersville, Ga., Susan Staley W. Smith and her husband Wayne of Winder, Ga., Betsy Williams of Knoxville, Tn., and a stepsister, Courtney Rule Williams and her husband Richard of Johnson City. She is also survived by adored nieces and nephews, Madison Reed, Trey Reed, Staley Reed, Brackin Smith, Reed Smith, Lilly Ann Smith and Emma Williams.
Funeral services for Ms. Williams will be held Monday at 8 p.m. at Morris-Baker Funeral Home South Chapel. Rev. Larry Nees will officiate.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m.
Graveside services and burial will be at Monte Vista Memorial Park at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.
For those who wish to make contributions in memory of Polly, the family suggests National Eating Disorders at www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.
Condolences may be sent to the family via www.morrisbaker.com.
Arrangements are by Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Ave., Johnson City, Tn. 37601, 423 282-1521.