Obituary of Pauline H. Cruse

A Celebration of the Life of Pauline H. Cruse December 25, 1920 - October 2, 2011 On Sunday, October 2nd, 2011, Pauline ("Polly") Cruse went home to be with the Lord after 90 wonderful years. Pauline was known for her beautiful smile, sense of humor, and gentle spirit. She was a very caring person who spent much time comforting others by sending cards, notes, flowers and gifts to console them in their times of need. She was born in Mecklenburg County, N.C. on Christmas Day, December 25th, 1920 to Samuel and Cara Hatley. She grew up in Concord, N.C., the second eldest of four sisters. She met her future husband, Vernon, while attending Concord High School where she later graduated. In December, 1940 they were married by Vernon's cousin, Rev. D. R. Saunders, in front of a beautiful Christmas tree in the Reverend's home. Pauline and Vernon lived in Wilmington, N.C. where Vernon worked in the shipyard. Later, she moved back to Concord with their infant son while Vernon served in the Navy during World War II. Pauline worked as a bookkeeper and secretary for most of her life while devoting herself to raising two children. She was a charter member of Parkwood Baptist Church in North Carolina and was always active in various churches throughout her life. Her favorite hobbies were sketching and oil painting. She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Vernon Orlin Cruse; two children: Larry O. Cruse (Mavis) of Orlando, Florida and Nancy Surles (Charles) of Ocala, Florida; three grandchildren: Larry D. Cruse of Orlando, Florida, Kelly Hambelton (Christopher) of Ocala, Florida and Karen Bhaggan (Neil) of Frederick, Maryland; plus three great-grandchildren: Natalie and Angelynn Hambelton of Ocala, Florida and Valerie Bhaggan of Frederick, Maryland. She was preceded in death by her sister, Marie Wilhoit of Concord, N.C. and is survived by two sisters: Edith Utley of Kannapolis, N.C. and Ruby Furr of Concord, N.C. In rememberance of this loving woman, a memorial service will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home on Saturday, October 8th at 2:30 pm at 910 East Silver Springs Blvd. Hiers-Baxley may be contacted at 629-7171.