Polly Bell Runnels was born on September 27, 1939, in Thomastown, Mississippi. She was the second child of Tommy Bell and Mabel McCool Bell. Polly began playing piano at the age of six and continued her study of music at East Central Junior College and gained her degree in music from Mississippi College. Polly taught piano lessons in the Jackson area for 59 years. Polly worked in Children’s Music Ministry throughout her life and believed that every child should be exposed to music. Children’s ministry was a way for Polly to share her love of the Lord and use the gifts and talents she had been given. She was always positive in life and showed grace and faith when times were hard. She was the definition of optimism. Polly was a very active member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church where she was involved in church choir and active in her Sunday School class. The Ridgecrest family and staff were very dear to her heart. In addition to her parents, Polly was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband, Charles Denver Runnels, and son, Charles Dean Runnels. Mrs. Polly is survived by her daughters, Sonya Higginbotham and her husband Tripp Higginbotham of Hattiesburg, Laurie Leigh Runnels of Ridgeland; grandchildren, Anna Elizabeth Enger and Patrick Cole Higginbotham; her brother Heywood Bell; and sisters Elvie Bell Roby, Susie Hale and Teresa Bryant. Mrs. Runnels died on August 10, 2020 in Hattiesburg at the age of 80. A graveside service will be conducted on Friday, August 14, 2020 at 11:00 am in Natchez Trace Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to Ridgecrest Baptist Church, Music Ministry. “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with singing. “Psalm 100: 1-2