Pauline Carpenter Rankin

Pauline “Polly” Carpenter Rankin, 96, a resident of Columbia, passed away Friday, August 21, 2026, at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with David Morris officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 1:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Born March 15, 1930, in the Wales Community of Giles County, Polly was the daughter of the late Edward Taylor Carpenter and the late Reathel Brumit Carpenter. She was married to T.H. Rankin, who preceded her in death on June 4, 1996. Polly was a loving and caring person who enjoyed helping others. She was a talented seamstress who made clothing for her family and also sewed for the public. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, gardening, canning, and growing flowers. Polly also volunteered with the election committee during city elections and helped with the Clothes Closet at Highland Church of Christ, where she was a longtime member.

She is survived by her son, Paul Allen (Mary Ann) Rankin; daughter, Linda Craig; grandson, Christopher Steven Craig; great-granddaughter, Paitley Jo Craig; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Polly was preceded in death by her twin brother, Paul Carpenter, who passed away October 5, 2018.