Hazel “Polly” Adkins, 96
October 17, 1929 – September 21, 2026
Hazel Pauline Ward Brown Adkins, of Dorsey, affectionately known to nearly everyone as “Miss Polly,” passed away peacefully on Monday, September 21, 2026, with her beloved son by her side, holding her hand.
Born October 17, 1929, in Calhoun City, Mississippi, Polly was the only child of the late Anne Vesta Patterson Ward and Jessie C. Ward. She graduated from Derma High School in 1948 and later became a licensed beautician, a profession that suited her perfectly. Polly had an eye for beauty, a love of fashion, and a flair all her own.
To say Miss Polly enjoyed looking her best would be an understatement. She loved makeup, beautiful clothes, having her hair styled and her nails done, and she was always dressed to the nines. Whether she was heading to an event or simply going about her day, Polly believed there was never a bad time to look fabulous—and she usually did.
Music and dancing brought her great joy, but Elvis held a particularly special place in her heart. Miss Polly rarely missed an Elvis Tribute Artist event and was a lifetime member of the Tupelo Elvis Club, where she faithfully attended meetings and became part of an extended “Elvis family” that stretched far beyond Tupelo. She treasured those friendships and the many wonderful memories made along the way.
But for all the things Polly loved—music, old movies, dancing, fashion, and Elvis—nothing compared to the love she had for her son, Tom Brown. She proudly passed along to Tom her appreciation for Elvis, old movies, and music, creating a bond they shared throughout her life.
Polly will be remembered for her unmistakable style, her lively spirit, her love of a good song, and the joy she found in the people and things she loved most. She was truly one of a kind, and those who knew Miss Polly will have no trouble picturing her exactly as she would want to be remembered: beautifully dressed, perfectly put together, and ready for the music to begin.
She is survived by her husband, Ronnie L. Adkins of Dorsey; her son, Tom Brown and his wife, Lisa, of Tupelo; her cousin, Josephine Dees Crawford and her husband, Ray, of Southaven; and countless members of her beloved Elvis family from around the world.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Sgt. Herbert F. Brown, who passed away in 1999.
In keeping with Polly’s wishes, the family will hold a private memorial service. Friends are invited to share their love, memories, and condolences on her memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.
Those wishing to honor Miss Polly’s memory may make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, or to a charity of their choice.
Holland Funeral Directors–Tupelo is honored to serve the family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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