Pauline "Polly" McCoy Roberts Barbour

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Pauline McCoy Roberts Barbour, more affectionately known as “Ms. Polly.” She fell into an eternal rest on January 2, 2026, at Atrium Baptist Health after suddenly contracting the flu. She passed away comfortably at the age of 81. Born on April 30, 1944, in Reidsville, NC, Polly had a very humble childhood, one she never spoke of. At the age of thirteen, she left home to find her way in this world. For many years she was the banquet manager at the Four Seasons Holiday Inn in Greensboro, NC, as well as a waitress at Red Lobster when it was located on Peters Creek Parkway. After many years of hard work, and a determination to never work for another man, she decided to pursue her passion of sewing, which she picked up at a very young age. A story she would tell is that her late husband Jack purchased a sewing machine for her. He was a car salesman and every time he wore one of Polly’s custom-made suits, he sold a car. Polly eventually opened her first tailoring business out of her house, Polly’s Patchwork. As time passed her self-taught seamstress and tailoring skills only continued to blossom. She would then go on to open Polly’s Alterations, in Winston Salem, located in numerous storefronts throughout the past forty years. In her earlier years of business, she skillfully made countless, personally designed wedding dresses. Polly’s philosophy was half right is all wrong. Polly wanted you to look your best, and she also knew exactly how to make it happen. She loved her customers and formed countless, meaningful relationships over the years. She was very talented and a master at her craft. She was also truly one of a kind. She was spunky, very opinionated without any filter, not afraid to tell you like it is, always went after whatever she wanted, hardworking, yet also very loving in her own way. Polly is preceded in death by her late son, David Wayne Gortman. Survivors include her son Sonny Barbour (Kara), and grandchildren Seth Gortman, Halley Gortman, Sydney Gortman, Jacob Barbour, Jax Barbour, and Lila Barbour, all of whom she loved very much. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Hayworth Miller Silas Creek Chapel with Rev. Francis Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Forsyth Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.