Mary Nell "Polly" Shealy 91 died on Thursday July 28 2011 in Columbia. She was born in Newberry on July 23 1920 to the late Homer Edward and Annie Sue McCarey Corley. She was known fondly in the greater community as "Aunt Polly" not only because of her famed pound cake but also because of the ministry of encouragement she performed throughout her life. Mrs. Shealy attended Boundary Street Elementary School and graduated from Newberry High School in 1940. For over 40 years she worked at Newberry Cotton Mills. From the time she was a child her loving concern for her neighbors added strength and vitality to the West End community. She cooked for the sick and bereaved and she sent cards without fail to those who were celebrating birthdays and anniversaries to those who were grieving loved ones and to those who for whatever reason needed a cheerful thought or a kindly remembrance. During her retirement she also brightened many a gray day for those who were sick and alone with a "telephone ministry" of support and encouragement. Mrs. Shealy was passionate about cooking family gatherings and making others happy. Certainly anyone who ever tasted her "world-famous internationally-travelled" Aunt Pollys Cold Oven Pound Cake was happy indeed. This family favorite grew in reputation as it was shared outside the family and eventually was served on five continents. One of her cakes was presented to the Today Show staff and for many years its praises were sung (literally) during the "Carolina Jubilee" at the Newberry Opera House. Mrs. Shealys sense of humor was bright and mischievous even as her health failed. At the Heritage at Lowman visitors and caregivers alike always left her room with a smile on their faces and her good cheer touched the hearts of all who spoke with her. Mrs. Shealy was an original "loyal listener" of the radio station WKDK and she was a strong supporter of the Newberry High School marching band. For many years she served as a chaperone for band trips and as a faithful volunteer in all fundraising activities. For all of her adult life in Newberry Mrs. Shealy was an active member of West End Baptist Church and for over 20 years she served as the secretary of the Sunday School. In recent years she attended the Agape Sunday School class at Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Columbia. Truly she "went about doing good" and was an inspiration to all who knew her. Mrs. Shealy was predeceased by her husband George Amos Shealy and by a son John Edward Shealy. She is survived by her son G.Barry Shealy of Columbia; a daughter-in-law Billie Jean Drew Shealy of Spartanburg; grandchildren Lisa Renee (Shealy) Frick and her husband Keith Lamar Frick of Little Mountain John Edward Shealy Jr. of Aurora MO and Stephanie Leigh Shealy Clark of Little Mountain; great-grandchildren Cory Justin Frick Taylor Michelle Frick Jeana Leighann Clark Mary Michelle Clark and Kayla Christine all of Little Mountain and Anthony Bryson Blackwell of Spartanburg; brother and sisters-in-law retired Col. Robert J. and Elizabeth (Kit) Corley of Spartanburg Jenny Corley of Columbia and Sunshine Sease of Newberry; and a sister Ethel Corley Mayer of Newberry. "Aunt Polly" is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews some in the family and some from the greater community. All will miss her. She was also predeceased by siblings: James "Jake" Corley Verdie Wise John Edward Buck Corley Haskell "Hap" Corley Virginia Renwick. The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude for the loving care of Mrs. Shealy by the caregivers at the Heritage at Lowman by Palmetto Senior Care and by Dr. Margaret Matthews. Graveside funeral services were conducted at 4 PM Saturday at Baxter Cemetery in Newberry by the Rev. Dr. Tim Phillips of Riverland Hills Baptist Church and the Rev. David Lyles of West End Baptist Church.. Pallbearers will be Eddie Corley Keith Frick Carroll Koon Henry Summer Robert Davis Stanley Renwick David Dorroh Cory Justin Frick and Bryson Blackwell. The family did receive friends at 4:45 PM following the funeral service at 1903 Main St. Newberry. The family requests that memorials be made to: West End Baptist Church 620 Main St. Newberry SC 29108; Riverland Hills Baptist Church 201 Lake Murray Blvd. Irmo SC 29063 or Palmetto Health Hospice PO Box 100199 Columbia SC 29202-3199. On line condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.