Polly Cely Hollowell

   Polly Cely Hollowell, 97, of Hertford, NC, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 in Vidant Chowan Hospital, Edenton. She was the wife of the late Robert Louis Hollowell, Sr.

   Mrs. Hollowell was born in Easley, SC on February 21, 1919, and was the daughter of the late John Luther and Mamie Lou Ellison Cely. She first attended Winthrop University, and then transferred to the University of South Carolina where she graduated with her major in English.  While in college, she was a member of the cheerleading squad and the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.  She taught English for one year before marrying Mr. Hollowell in 1942. After their wedding, she lived in Rhode Island while her husband served as a Commander in the United States Navy during World War II. It was while he was deployed on a tanker during the war that she gave birth to their first child, a daughter, Dian. Upon his return from the war, the young family settled in Hertford, where they had their second child, a son, Bobby. Active in their community, they were members of Hertford United Methodist Church where she was a faithful member of the Minnie Wilson Circle.

   An avid Bridge player, she enjoyed socializing, reading, traveling, and the tranquility of a warm waterside breeze. She and her husband shared many pleasant memories of living in Hertford and spending time on the Outer Banks where they were pioneers of the residential development of the area. She will be remembered for her optimism regardless of circumstances, her grace, her love of living life to the fullest, and her bright, welcoming smile.

   In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Dian Hollowell Ross, and by her sisters, Claire Cely Payne, Francis Cely Payne, and Mary Hellen Cely Keith.

   Surviving are her son, Robert Louis Hollowell, Jr.; her grandchildren, Dr. Robert Louis Hollowell, III and wife Stephanie, and Brandon Hollowell Maraffi and husband Mark; and four great-grandchildren, Rob, Claire, John, and Sam.

   The memorial service will be held Saturday, June 11th, at 11:00 a.m. in Hertford United Methodist Church and will be officiated by her pastor, The Rev. Jane Leechford, and by longtime family friend, The Rev. H. Gene Boyce. A private burial will be on the family plot in Cedarwood Cemetery. Friends are invited to the join the family in the social hall of the church immediately following the service.

   Flowers are welcomed, or contributions may be made to Hertford United Methodist Church, 200 Dobbs Street, Hertford, NC 27944.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.