August 14, 2025

Beloved Elberton Community Member Polly Parham Passes Away

News Summary

Polly Parham, a cherished resident of Elberton, GA, has passed away at the age of 96. Known for her nurturing spirit and community involvement, Polly leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and culinary excellence. As a seamstress and active church member, she was deeply committed to her community. She is survived by her children and grandchildren, with funeral arrangements made at Berry Funeral Home.

Elberton, GA – Polly Parham, a beloved member of the Elberton community, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on August 10, 2025, at National HealthCare in Greenwood, South Carolina. Her contributions to her family and community will be remembered fondly by those who knew her.

Born Allie Pauline Hendricks on January 13, 1929, in the Paoli Community of Madison County, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late James Boyd Hendricks and Etta Mae Coile Hendricks. Polly was known for her dedication to her family and her community, gaining the affectionate nickname “Granny” for her nurturing spirit.

Polly spent many years working as a seamstress, contributing to the workforce of Elberton Manufacturing Company until her retirement. She was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she contributed as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, and pianist, demonstrating her commitment to her faith and her community.

Polly was celebrated for her culinary skills, particularly her excellent cooking of green beans and corn. She was also passionate about gardening, using her harvest to can and freeze produce for her family. Another of her beloved skills was quilting; she meticulously crafted quilts for her children and grandchildren, creating lasting family heirlooms.

She is survived by her children, Kay and Fred Crowe, Eddie and Alison Parham, both residing in Greenwood, SC, and her sister, Edna Tawney, also of Greenwood. Polly’s legacy continues through her grandchildren: Freddy and Melanie Crowe from Knoxville, TN, Laura and Sean McSwain from Hanahan, SC, Chandler Burns and Paul Thomas, both of Greenwood, SC. Additionally, she was a proud great-grandmother to Avery, Hudson, Brynn, Wyatt, Ava, and Anakin.

Polly was preceded in death by her son, Randall Bruce “Randy” Parham, and several siblings, including Nina Black, Ozelle Hall, Ellie Mae Hendricks, Thelma Hall, Randolph Hendricks, and Carl Hendrix. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable life filled with love and devotion to her family.

Family and friends will have the opportunity to pay their respects on August 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Berry Funeral Home in Elberton. The funeral service will commence at 11:00 AM in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Sean McSwain officiating. After the service, Polly will be laid to rest in the Hendricks family lot at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Comer, GA.

In honor of Polly’s memory, flowers are welcome, and contributions can be made to Calvary Baptist Church. An online guestbook is available for those wishing to send condolences and share memories at berryfh.com. The arrangements were handled by Berry Funeral Home & Crematory in Elberton, GA.