Pauline Rector Crisp

A private family service will be held for Polly Crisp, 97, of Tyler, at the family Red House farm. Pauline Rector Crisp passed away Thursday, December 1, 2022, in Tyler. She was born November 19, 1925, in Nacogdoches County to Grady and Bessie Rector of Woden, Texas. Polly was preceded in death by husband, ‘Big CLINT’ and twin sister, Loraine. She is survived by her three daughters: Karma Jean and Tom Sanders and Crystal; her 6 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren: Shurrell Weibe and Doug, and their children, Gabrielle, Jacqueline, Elexis and Titan. Clint Smith and Trisha and children, McKinley and Sutton, Ben Sanders and Audrey and children, Barrett and Abigail; Judson Davis and Lindsey and children, Darby, Axton and Wren; Luke Sanders and children, Hal and Zeb and Grady Davis. Polly received her BS and ME from Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches. She taught school at Broadus, Center and Port Neches-Groves, then retired as an administrator for San Augustine ISD. She loved playing and teaching bridge lessons. Competing in duplicate bridge she earned the honor of Master Bridge player. Other than the bridge table, her favorite places were her Red House farm and Crystal Beach. She was president of the Ezekiel Cullen Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Other passions included quilting, crocheting, growing plants, traveling and being with family. She never had an idle moment. Polly worked at Camp Hood during WWII and wrote many letters to the ‘boys at war’. Her writing continued with descriptive accounts of the near decade she lived. She was a great storyteller and often said ‘never let the truth stand in the way of a good story.’ She was witty, sassy, intelligent and fun. Polly truly was the matriarch of the CRISP family. She instilled the value of family gatherings, love of the land, desire for learning and traveling and the necessity of giving and showing kindness. She lived the Golden Rule.

Pauline Rector Crisp

November 19, 1925 - December 1, 2022