Loretta Polly Cree passed away peacefully on March 20, 2022, at the age of 88, surrounded by loved ones. Many of her children and grandchildren had a chance to come by and hug her and visit with her during her last few days.

Polly was born June 18, 1933, to Fariel Jones in Sipe Springs, Texas. After graduating as Salutatorian from Rising Star High School, she attended the University of Texas in Austin. There, she met and married Billy Mitcham, and started her journey as an amazing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Around 1965, she was employed by TRW, and worked her way up the ladder to become a sales engineer. At TRW, she met and soon married the love of her life, James Ellsworth Cree. The blended family of eight children were (and still are) a rowdy and rambunctious crew, but Polly and Jim taught them all to love one another, and those bonds are still strong today, more than 55 years later.

Polly was never one to sit around twiddling her thumbs. She always had a project going. From gardening to decorating, cooking, painting, playing bridge, and traveling, she was always on the move. Not only did she enjoy doing many things, but she was also an expert at most things, and happily shared her knowledge and expertise with those she loved.

A visit with Polly was always a celebration. She loved having guests and whether you were 2 years old or 92 years old, she made sure you had fun. She had a special tea set with cups and saucers and a teapot that were all made from pewter so that even the youngest visitor could have a tea party at her house. And you never left her house hungry! Cookbooks were some of her favorite things to read and there is still a stack of recipes she culled from magazines and newspapers sitting next to her chair in the kitchen that she wanted to try.

And holidays? Oh, the fun we all had! As with everything she did, she was all in! From bunny ears and Easter egg hunts to Halloween costumes, Polly loved to have fun! But the highlight of the year was Christmas, particularly Christmas Eve. Her gumbo was legendary! Anyone who has had it knows it is truly the best ever made. Everyone was welcomed, and there was always room for one more. All who gathered at her home for Christmas Eve felt joy, peace, and especially her love.

There is a magnet on her fridge which reads, "I love teamwork, as long as I'm in charge." There is also a sign in her home that says, "Of course, I talk to myself! Sometimes I need expert advice!" These kind of sum her up. She had strong opinions and frequently shared them with others, especially her children, whether they wanted to hear it or not. She'd call you out, if she thought you were spouting a bunch of BS, but she was always a refuge and a haven. All of her children and her friends knew that she would love them, heal them, and help them to stand if they had fallen down. She would cry with you if you were sad, but she wouldn't let you dwell there too long. She believed in taking action and was never a "victim." She lived life to the fullest and wanted you to do the same.

She raised five amazing sons and three incredible daughters, who each continue to treasure her guidance, her wisdom, but most of all her love.

She is survived by Paul Mitcham (wife, Fallon), Joy Mitcham, Donna Mitcham McLauchlin (husband, Archie), Sheilah Cree Anderson, Bruce Cree, and Stephen Cree (wife, Valerie). She has 15 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren, and many dear cousins, especially Art Jones (wife, Rae). Polly was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Cree, sons Billy Mitcham, Jr, and John Davis Mitcham, and Shiner, her cherished boxer.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, 26 March, 2022, 2 pm, at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77077.

Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home