Polly Marie Gambrell-Wilkins, 80, passed away peacefully, on March 6, 2025, at Centennial Medical Center, in Nashville.
She was born July 2, 1955, in Cookeville, to Arvil and Noralee Herron Gambrell.
Ms. Polly was a member of Taylor’s Providence Freewill Baptist Church. After retiring from Redcap Industries in 2002, “Granny” Polly devoted her life to being the backbone of her loving family. She was always there to lend an ear or a helping hand to those who knew and loved her. She was always willing to stop what she was doing and pray for those in need.
As a pillar of the community, she was there to ensure that she showed families support in their hours of need, always willing to cook a meal or deliver a dish during times of bereavement or times of celebration. Polly was also known for her famous banana pudding! She gathered her strength to raise her children even when times were tough. Going through the obstacles that gave her strength allowed her to share that strength to help raise and care for other children as well as her grandchildren. Her most famous sayings were, “God is in control and take one day at a time.”
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Wilkins; sons, Frankie Wilkins, Eugene Wilkins; grandsons, B.J. (Bryan Jesse), Steven Lack; two great-grandchildren, Jordan and Kaydence Goines; and her siblings.
She is survived by her daughters, Luann Wilkins, Lisa (Richard) Lack, Donna Landers; son, Matthew (Jennifer) Wilkins; grandchildren, Joey (Rachel) Sheets, Brittney (Bruce) Young, Whittney (Randy) Goines, Camdyn and Coltyn Wilkins; and several great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was 11 a.m., March 12, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel, in Smithville, with burial in Peeled Chestnut Cemetery. Bro. Sam Davis officiated.
DeKalb Funeral Chapel, in Smithville, was in charge of arrangements.
