Polly W. Brewer

Obituary for Deaconess Polly Williams Brewer

Born in Clay, Texas to Lawerence and Emma Williams, Polly grew up in Gallup, New Mexico. She rose above early hardships with strength and determination, shaping a life filled with purpose and achievement.

Polly was the beloved wife of her husband, Clement A Brewer, Jr., and a devoted mother to her only son, Clement A. Brewer, III, creating a close-knit family rooted in love and support. Her successful career in the banking industry was significant. She broke new ground as the first Black woman branch manager at one of Wachovia Bank’s local branches in Charlotte, North Carolina, North Graham Street, where she built a respected career with dedication and integrity. Her commitment to learning never waned. Even after retiring, she inspired us all by earning her NC real estate license in her seventies, embodying her lifelong love of learning and willingness to take on new challenges.

Polly was a woman of deep faith and devoted service, a lifelong follower of Christ, and a committed member of The Park Church, where she served as a trustee and an ordained diaconate. She and her husband worked side by side in their weekly volunteer duties, counting the offerings together with joy and pride. Her warm spirit was well known, and her generosity was felt by everyone who knew her.  In her free time, Polly enjoyed her weekly hair appointments, baking zucchini bread, and sharing small but meaningful gestures of love, like slipping her grandchildren $50 when they least expected it. Her kind and giving nature brought joy and comfort to so many.

Though we will miss her dearly, we find peace knowing she is now home with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In addition to her mother and father, Polly was predeceased by six brothers, Conrad Williams, Dolly Williams, Hence Williams, Lawrence Williams, Arthur Williams, and Willie Williams; and three sisters, Leona Williams, Florence W. Wade, and Orabell W. Slater.

Polly leaves to cherish precious memories, her husband of 65 years, Clement A. Brewer, Jr.; her loving son, Clement A. Brewer, III (Delois) of Charlotte, NC; two grandchildren, Clement McKinley (Ashley) of Mint Hill, NC, and Brittney Johnson of Dallas, TX; two great-grandchildren, Cannon McKinley and Cohen McKinley of Mint Hill, NC; one sister, Nellie W. McMullen of Willingboro, New Jersey; two sisters-in-law, Martha Brewer of Charlotte, NC, and Arvela Williams of Gallup, NM; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.