Obituary of Pauline Hutchinson

LaGrange - Pauline "Polly" Hutchinson passed away on November 13, 2008 at Hospice LaGrange. She was born in LaGrange on June 16, 1944. Polly was the daughter of the late Paul and Lucile Hutchinson and twin sister of Dr. Paul Hutchinson of Athens, Ga. She was a graduate of LaGrange High School and the University Georgia with a Degree in Elementary School Education (1966), where she was a member of the Chi Omega Fraternity. She earned her Master's Degree in Elementary School Education (1972), Instructional Leadership Certification (UGA 1977)), Ed S Early Childhood Education (West Georgia College 1991) and Educational Leadership Certification (West Georgia College 1993). She taught in the DeKalb County (1966-1968), Richmond County (1968-1979) and in the LaGrange City and later Troup County School Systems (1979-2003). She was honored by Hollis Hand Elementary, LaGrange School System and one of the five finalists for the State of Georgia as Teacher of the Year in 1991. From 1997-2003, she served as Principal of Rosemont School. Following her retirement in 2003, she taught reading to adults at West Georgia Technical College. In 2003, she was one of the founders of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Chattahoochee Valley and served on its Board of Advisors until the present. She was named Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteer of the Year in 2008. This award in the future will be called the Polly Hutchinson Award for outstanding service to BBBS.She served on the Troup County Historical Board of Trustees and was a member of the Round Table. As a Sustainer in the Junior Service League of LaGrange, she was honored in 2005 as Sustainer of the Year. A lifelong gardener, she became a Master Gardener and was a member of the Willowood Garden Club and the Ivy Garden Club. She was a LaGrange Cotillion Club member and adviser. As a member of First Baptist Church on the Square, she was a member of the Philathea Sunday School Class, the Handbell Choir and served as a Circle leader (2008). She also taught the second grade Sunday School Class. In 2004, she was named a Gracious Lady of Georgia.She is survived by her brother, Dr. Paul Hutchinson and her sister-in-law, Cissy Hutchinson of Athens.A celebration of life will be held 3 p.m., Sunday, November 16, 2008 at First Baptist Church on the Square with Dr. Paul R. Baxter, Rev. Michael Hornsby and Rev. Paul Blair officiating. The family will host a reception at the church immediately following the celebration of life services. A private committal will be held in Shadowlawn Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Pauline Hutchinson may be sent to either the First Baptist Church on the Square, Handbell Choir (100 Broad Street, LaGrange, GA 30240) or the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Chattahoochee Valley (P.O. Box 3244, LaGrange, GA 30241).Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange (706-884-8636).