Polly Fife Widner

Polly Fife Widner, age 68, of Manassas, VA passed away Thursday, December 14, 2017 at her residence. She was born as Paula Sue Thurman on June 26, 1949 in West Monroe, LA the daughter of Forrest and Doris Thurman as the youngest of a large family with 6 siblings. When 2 years old her mother passed, and she was adopted and raised by her Uncle and Aunt Magruder T. and Lillie (Thurman) Fife. Survivors include her husband, Melvin Widner; four children, Reneé (Geoffery) Paxton of Denver, CO, David Owen Jr of Gulfport, MS, Melissa (Devin) Goss of Manassas, VA, Charlie Widner (David Bohm) of Silver Spring, MD; two step children, Shawn (John) Salazar of Cuba, NM, Wendy (Mitch) Shelton of Tijeras, NM; two brothers, Marshall (Hilda) Whatley of Lawrenceville, GA, Don (Susan) Fife of Crestwood, FL; one sister, Jean (Tommy) Dalton of West Monroe, LA; 17 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her Parents; Sisters, Carolyn Bass and Marlene Greene; and Brother Charles Whatley. Polly grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi with her brother Don. Following high school, she attended Univ. of Southern Mississippi, Univ. of Mississippi, and later Univ. of New Mexico where she was awarded a Master’s degree in education. During her first marriage she had two children (Renee Paxton and David Owen Jr.) After moving to New Mexico, she remarried to Melvin Widner in 1980 and would go on to have two children (Melissa Goss and Charlie Widner) and joined by Melvin’s two children (Shawn Salazar and Wendy Shelton). Polly and Melvin lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico for 11 years before moving to Rochester Hills, MI for 5 years before finally settling in Manassas, VA where they have lived for 21 years. Polly was focused on raising the family and was active in school and local activities. Polly was an active volunteer with the Prince William Hospital Auxiliary for the last 15 years. She enjoyed traveling with the Bluebird Tours group, reading, watching movies, and helping with the family and grandchildren. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. She was a vivacious spirit and will be sorely missed by those who loved her. Her spirit lives on. A Celebration of life will be held at 2 PM Wednesday December 20, 2017 at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA with Rev Dr. Billy G. Tatum officiating. Interment will be in Gulfport, MS. Donations are requested in lieu of flowers to Novant Health/UVA Auxiliary. www.novanthealthuva.org/giving.aspx

Polly Fife Widner

June 26, 1949 - December 14, 2017