Polly Anne Duffill Bottom, 92, passed peacefully on Saturday, September 5 in the company of her loved ones. She joins her husband, Larry Bottom; parents, Harrison Mortimer and Luella Ricker Duffill; and sisters, Sarah “Sally” Duffill Salley and Mary Lou Duffill McDonald. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Becky Bottom; her daughter, Elizabeth Bottom; grandchildren, Billy Bottom, Emily (Jon) Pharr, and Andrew (Hannah) Bottom; great-grandchildren, Liam and Charlie Bottom; and many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Born in Louisville, KY, Polly's family moved to DeLand, FL when her father retired from the Army in 1941. She graduated from DeLand High School in 1951, earned a degree in education from the University of Florida in 1955. Polly orchestrated a life rich in community, centering that which she loved most: her family, faith and travel. At home, she was a doting wife and mother, filling her family life with both comfort and adventure. A beloved teacher of 38 years, Polly spent most of her career devotedly educating kindergarten students at St. James Day School in Ormond Beach.

A long-time congregant at St. James Episcopal Church, she served in various ministries: choir member, altar guild, Stephen’s Ministry, Lector, and Eucharistic Minister. In 2009, she joined Tomoka Christian Church as well as an international, non-denominational Bible Study Fellowship, where she learned from and led other brilliant women of faith.

The family wishes to thank Advent Health Hospice for the compassion and care they provided in Polly's final days. Per her request, a private graveside service will be held at Oakdale Cemetery in DeLand later this year.