Polly A. Richardson Lamberth

Richard B. Harrison Alumni Center, 605 West Noble Street, Selma, NC
Reverend Polly Anderson Lamberth was born in Princeton, NC; a sharecropper's daughter. She loved her roots and was blessed to be nurtured by strong Christian parents, the late Sam and Mamie Edmundson Anderson, as well as many others who helped shape her into the loving, knowledge-seeking, God-fearing woman who cared for so many.
She was called Ma Polly, Aunt Polly, and Grandma by many whether she was related to them or not. She loved her role as matriarch, counselor and friend in her family. Polly loved hosting family functions in her home and brought life to each party. She loved flowers and has become one of the freshly picked flowers God has chosen for Himself. Though we will truly miss her, we are rejoicing in the fact that she is forever resting in God's unfailing love.
Polly was a faithful member of First Missionary Baptist Church, Clayton, NC, where she served as Associate Minister and was the Director of Spiritual Care and Counseling, Director of Christian Education, Chair of the Benevolence Ministry, and President of the Women's Choir Ministry. Polly was a prayer warrior who diligently sought God for others even in her own time of illness and grief. She taught Bible Study and Sunday School, sharing a wealth of Biblical knowledge. She loved to share the Good News of Jesus with everyone she met and wasn't ashamed to bear witness of God's glory.
Polly was a community activist. She was Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for CommWell Health (formerly Tri-County Community Health Center), Newton Grove, NC. She was a member of the Advisory Board of Project Access, assisting the uninsured in getting health care. Polly was a Team Member of Alpha for Prisons where she facilitated weekly classes at Butner Medium Security Prison, Butner, NC. Polly previously served as Head Spiritual Advisor of Kairos Outside (KO) of Eastern North Carolina, supporting women who have incarcerated loved ones. She served as Volunteer Chaplain at Johnston Medical Center, Smithfield, NC, with assignments that included the main hospital in Smithfield and Clayton and the Hospice Center in Smithfield. She served as Chaplain at Alamance Regional Hospital, Burlington, NC and Wake Medical Center, Raleigh, NC. Socially conscious and politically astute, she was instrumental in each election process, helping to register new voters and reminding registered voters to cast their votes. Polly was a fervent believer in helping the masses obtain a better way of life.
Polly was a lover of knowledge. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management from Saint Augustine's University, graduating with highest honors, Suma Cum Laude. She received her MBA from American Inter Continental University, Hoffman Estates, IL. In 2012, she received her Master of Divinity degree from Campbell University Divinity School, Buies Creek, NC. For the last two years, she worked diligently toward being conferred as Doctor of Ministry from Payne Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH, never relenting in her pursuit for learning and comprehension.
Polly retired from USDA Rural Development as State Civil Rights Manager, which concluded forty years as a public servant on February 28, 2011. Formerly employed by Johnston-Lee-Harnett Community Action, U. S. House of Representatives and Charter Member and Former President of the organization, JCCA, Inc. Life Goal, Polly faced many challenges in life. Her life's goal was to reflect on the scriptures: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God. ~Micah 6:8; and I Can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~Phil. 4:13. Because she realized that when the seas of life raged, she could not direct the winds, but God gave her the strength to adjust her sails.
Polly has reunited with the love of her life, Deacon Earnest G. Lamberth, her beloved son, James A. Richardson, Jr., and one loving brother, Carnell Grandy.
Polly is survived by a loving family: one daughter, Pamela G. Lamberth (Marvin Barnard, M. D.); one daughter-in-love, Lisa White Richardson; one sister, Dolly A. Leach (Fred); two brothers, Eugene Benton, Sam Anderson(Deloris); one sister-in-love, Elizabeth Grandy; four grandsons, Dermain Gibson, Samson M. Richardson (Luci), Juanyae Richardson and Kyle Richardson; two granddaughters, Jameelah Richardson and Jamarya Richardson; five great grandchildren, two aunts; Eula Quomony and Lola Thomas-Davis (Sam); six Godchildren; Deron Carney, Stephanie Nickleson, Nicole Utley, Reverend Doctor Lacy E. Simpson, Jr., Gloria Williams, and The Honorable Addie M. Harris Rawls; one special niece/caregiver, Trenna Spruill; two special nephews, Dexter Spruill and Cedric Braswell (C. J.); and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Wake:
Thursday, April 26
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
First Baptist Church
308 N Lombard St,
Clayton, NC 27520

Visitation:
Friday, April 27
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Shiloh Christian Church
211 Durham St.
Smithfield, NC 27577

Funeral Service:
Friday, April 27
12:00 PM
Shiloh Christian Church
211 Durham St.
Smithfield, NC 27577

Interment:
Friday April 27
Knollwood Memorial Park
12830 US. 70 Bus Hwy. W.
Clayton , NC 27520