Pauline Umstead

Pauline (Polly) King Umstead passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, surrounded by her son Steve and daughter-in-law Sheree, after a long and courageous battle with congestive heart failure. Born on April 13, 1930, to L.O. (Buddy) King and Mary Wall King, she was the second of four children and grew up in Wake County, North Carolina. Her parents instilled in her the importance of hard work and a love of gardening, cooking, and family. They loved gathering on Sundays to enjoy a big meal, swap stories, and tell jokes.

Polly's brother, DeWitt King, introduced her to her future husband, J.D. Umstead, after she graduated from high school. They married in December 1950 and celebrated 70 years of marriage before his death in 2020. Polly and J.D. raised their two boys in Garner, NC, across the street from the Umstead farm where they boarded horses and farmed tobacco. They encouraged outdoor activities such as scouting, caring for the horses, and building forts. Polly was a loyal employee of Williams Realty & Building in Raleigh for 35 years.

Polly was preceded in death by her parents, brother DeWitt King, sister Edna Earl Davenport, husband J.D., and her beloved son Garry King Umstead. In addition to her son Steve (Sheree) of Greenville, she is survived by her daughter-in-law Susan Umstead of Raleigh; six grandchildren: Sarah Walker (Chris), Olivia Umstead, Kelsey Jernigan (Edward), Garrett Umstead (Morgan), Jake Umstead, Sawyer Umstead (Emily); nine great-grandchildren: Skyler, Gracie, Hattie, Graham, Williams, Beatrice, Jack, James, Charlie; and her brother David King (Dixie) of Bonita Springs, Florida.

Polly loved flowers, both growing and arranging them. You could always expect a vase of flowers and multiple live orchids in her house. She loved feeding and tending to her backyard birds, watching golf tournaments, reading a good biography, and cooking for her family. She made a great Thanksgiving feast, a delicious pot roast, and excelled at pound cakes and coconut pies. She was very fashionable, always wearing coordinated outfits with matching accessories, scarves, and brooches.

She loved people, welcomed visitors and family, and ended most visits with a plea to stay longer, saying, "What's your hurry?" Polly's family wishes to acknowledge the unfailing support of her closest friends and neighbors, her caregivers Diane, Elaine, Kim, Sandra, and special friend Ezequiel. We'd also like to thank Dr. Erik Wiglama and his staff for their compassionate care and all the others who steadfastly supported her through the last few years as she aged in place in the home she loved.

Polly's Christian faith was central to her life. She was a devoted member of the Garner United Methodist Church and was active in several areas, including the United Methodist Women, the Elizabeth Rand Circle, and the James Aumon Sunday school Class.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at the Garner United Methodist Church, Garner, NC, on February 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The family will greet guests immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, Polly would want you to honor her memory by making a gift to the charity of your choice. She especially loved Able to Serve www.abletoserve.org