God in His infinite wisdom called our matriarch to eternal rest on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, after a sudden illness at Shore Health and Rehabilitation Center in Parksley, Virginia. Polly Finney Fosque, was born on June 26, 1920 in Parksley, Virginia to the late Sewell and Fannie Finney.
She was educated in the public schools of Accomack County. Polly entered the work force at a young age to provide for her family. Later in life, she became a cook at the Accomack County Nursing Home, where she worked for twelve years. After retiring from the nursing home, she became a companion for the Eastern Shore Community Development Group (ESCDG). This position allowed her to serve others, something she strived to do her entire life. Polly attended the Eastern Shore Area on Aging Agency’s Senior Center in Onancock for over twenty years and attended all their activities right up until her illness. She also attended the Senior Perspectives program sponsored by Riverside in 2015 for two and half years.
On January 31, 1937, Polly and Brooks Fosque united in holy matrimony and this union was blessed with nine children-three boys, six girls, and a granddaughter, that was like their own. Her family was her pride and joy, and she always provided for their needs, but not always their wants. Polly was famous for her homemade rolls. Everyone in the family loved them and would often hide them from other children or grandchildren. Her home was the summer resort for her grandchildren, they would come for days or weeks at time while their parents worked. She would load up some of the grandchildren and they enjoyed joy riding in the big Blue Electra 225. She would tell them to “hold on” as they crossed the intersection at the Owl Restaurant, when traffic was clear. Polly made sure her children and grandchildren had handmade quilts, which gave her joy to make. She also mended many broken toys for her grandchildren, especially stuffed animals with broken arms. Her birthday was always a special occasion and the family made sure to celebrate. She received recognition from President Barack Obama, the Honorable Samuel H. Cooper, Jr., Clerk of Circuit Court, and notices in the Eastern Shore Post to mark these milestones.
Polly was a faithful member of Metompkin Baptist Church. She was one of the oldest saints and served as a devoted missionary from 1990-2017. Polly was honored at several Mother’s Day services for having the most children and grandchildren. Her church bestowed her with honors on Senior Saints Sunday and Family Fellowship Service for her contributions. Her faith in God was always evident and she shared this with her family and friends. She was very independent and strong-willed throughout her entire life. Even in her senior years, she demanded that she be in control of her own healthcare. She would remind her family that God gave her two hands to take care of herself. God proved himself faithful to her and blessed her with ninety-seven years of life and five generations to carry on her legacy. She has earned her wings and is resting in heaven.
Polly was preceded in death her husband; son, Clifton “Cubbie;” three grandchildren, Little Timmy, Little Cliffie, and Kingston.
Left to carry on her legacy are five generations, including: two sons, William (Margaret) and Timothy (Regina); six daughters, Fannie (Harold), Gwendolyn (Larry), Regina, Robbin (Elridge), Oleatha, and Marneda (Mersha); plus-one, Erika (Glenwood) a granddaughter that was raised as her own; twenty-two grandchildren; forty great-grandchildren; three great, great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Josephine; sister-in-law, Greatha; devoted niece, Eva; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
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