On the morning of August 20, 2021, Kosciusko-native and longtime Kosciusko resident, Dr. Polly McRee Brown, slipped quietly from this world into the next following a short illness. Although Polly moved to Bethesda, MD, in 2015 to be closer to her daughters, Kosciusko — and her friends and family from Kosciusko — always held a central place in her heart.
Polly was the only child of Lester Locket Brown and Lillie D Reynolds Brown, and while growing up in Kosciusko developed many life-long friendships with schoolmates, relatives, distant relatives and friends of distant relatives - everyone Polly met in time became her “dear friend.” Besides these many friends and her especially beloved Mr. John Morris Ward, Polly leaves behind a large extended family including her Guyton cousins, also from Kosciusko, Sam (Jean), Charles Lockett, Steve, Pat (Debra); children Jo, Sue, and Karl Ousterhout; daughter-in-law, Pamela Ousterhout; sons-in-law, Jeffrey Fergus and Louis Balodemas; and grandchildren, Naomi Balodemas, Gina Balodemas, Kari Ousterhout, and Aaron Ousterhout.
Polly’s long life, full of family and friends, interests, pursuits and travels, was well-lived. We hope you will join us in celebrating Polly’s life later this year in Kosciusko when we can all gather to share stories of her remarkable life. To fully appreciate the impact this extraordinary woman had on so many, we invite you to contribute a piece of her history by sending any story (any length OK!) and/or photo to Jo Ousterhout at jo@jo-ousterhout.com. We look forward to hearing from anyone and everyone and will include as many as possible in the celebration of her life.
Polly was an enthusiastic member of the Kosciusko High School Marching Band and Drama Club, so it seems only fitting that, in lieu of sending flowers, anyone wishing to express sympathy send a donation to the Skipworth Performing Arts Center in her name.
The family is planning a memorial celebration in Kosciusko later this year and will offer details as soon as possible. Until then, thank you all for the condolences, thoughts and prayers. We will all remember Polly’s kind heart, gracious hospitality, keen curiosity, sweet smile, and charitable disposition. May her memory be eternal.
