Johnnie K. Polly

Johnnie K. Polly, age 89, of Waynesville, passed away on March 10, 2026, at Indiana University North Hospital in Carmel, Indiana.

A native of New Tazewell, Tennessee, Johnnie graduated as valedictorian from Claiborne High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Lincoln Memorial University and her master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University. She and her husband, Vernon Polly, moved to Waynesville, where she enjoyed a distinguished 39-year career teaching mathematics at Wayne Local Schools. She retired in 1996 and remained closely connected to her colleagues through regular retired teachers’ luncheons and enduring friendships.

Beyond the classroom, Johnnie was a gifted artist who worked in oil, acrylic, and watercolor. She painted landscapes, portraits, animals, still lifes, and especially cherished creating images of family members and their pets. Her work was recognized in local competitions. She found joy in reading fiction, historical novels, mysteries, and adventure stories, and she collected Depression-era glassware, antique ceramics, and furniture. An avid traveler, she visited destinations across the United States and abroad, including Miami, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Alaska, the Caribbean, and Scandinavia.

Johnnie was a generous, loyal, quiet, and intelligent woman who cared deeply for those around her. She was devoted to her family and took special delight in the lives of her grandchildren. Each year she continued the cherished tradition of completing a new Christmas puzzle with them, and she lovingly preserved family traditions that brought everyone together. She and Vernon maintained a summer home on Cherokee Lake in Tennessee, where she warmly welcomed visitors. She was a gracious hostess who made certain every guest felt included, and she remained a steadfast caretaker for Vernon after his serious injury later in life. She took great pride in her son and daughter-in-law, her grandsons, and the many friends she considered family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon, in 2008; her parents, Fred Keck and Dallie Webster; and her brother, Raymond Keck. Johnnie is survived by her son, Greg (Heidi Sander) Polly; her grandsons, Nathan Sander and Jakob Polly; her nieces, Judy Polly, Kathy Kincer, and Susan Foster; and her nephew, Scott Keck.