Love. Light. Truth. These words echo the spirit of Elizabeth Settles Polly. Our lives are better because of the love she gave, the guiding light that she was, the wisdom she imparted, and the truth she spoke, even when it hurt. Simply put, our lives are richer because of her.

Elizabeth Settles Polly, 87, affectionately known as “Lizzie,” was born on January 26, 1938, in McCormick, South Carolina. The youngest of four children and the last living sibling. She was the daughter of the late Nonie and Azzie Lee Callahan Settles. She transitioned to her heavenly home on Sunday, August 31, 2025 while surrounded by her loving family.

Lizzie received her education in the McCormick County School System. From a young age, she attended and was a faithful member of Martha’s Chapel United Methodist Church where she was the Mother of the Church. She was a member of the Women’s Home Aide Society No. 1 and the BellField Benevolence Club.

In 1958, she married Aaron Polly. They were married for eight (8) years until his death in 1966.

Lizzie was a devoted homemaker who ensured that the needs of her family were met. She made a huge impact in the lives of her children and grandchildren, who will certainly miss her physical presence. Her impact reached beyond her biological family. Lizzie used her love of children and nurturing to provide childcare services that were warmly wrapped in love and inclusiveness to others in the community - they became family. Her love shone brightly through the soulful meals that she cooked daily for family and friends. Some of her specialties were macaroni and cheese, cornbread dressing, sweet potato pies, and coconut pies.

If you ever visited her home, it was obvious that she had a passion and love of plants. She, indeed, had a “green thumb.” On the outside and the inside of her home was a beautiful variation of healthy plants and flowers. Once inside, you might find her reading the newspaper, a devotional, or doing crossword puzzles while sitting in her favorite chair.

Lizzie was preceded in death by her husband, Aaron; her parents, Nonie and Azzie Lee; three brothers, William Thomas (W.T.) Settles; Thomas Settles, and Rev. Ulysses Polly; one sister, Margaree High; father and mother-in-law, Nathaniel, Sr. and Martha Polly; sisters-in-law, Agnes Settles, Minnie Settles, Mildred Polly, Patricia Polly; Lillie Mae Polley, Mary Polley, and Martha Virginia Polley; four brothers-in-law, Nathaniel Polly, Jr; Dave Polly, James Robert Polly, and Herbert Polly and longtime friend and neighbor, Marie M. Bell

Lizzie, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and neighbor, leaves to cherish her memories nine children, James Settles; James (Robbie) Polly; Johnny (Mary) Polly; Linda (Thomas) Morgan; Linda (Loyd) Davis; Theresa Polly; Richard Polly; Vanessa (Lydell) Jones, and Mary (Zachary) Oliver. Fifteen grandchildren, five of which were reared in her home, Keyshia (Sean) Welch, Tameka Polly, Kristy Polly, Brianna (Brandon) Free, and Jaden Jones; fourteen great-grandchildren, three reared in her home, Astin Moton, Dorian Searles, and Jordyn Polly; three great-great grandchildren; long-time friends, Patricia Mansel and Evelyn Mims, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.