Uverna Pauline "Polly" Brown, 81, of Mexico, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Pin Oaks Living Center.

Funeral Services will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, at Second Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. T.L. Garner, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.

Visitation is from 12 p.m. until time of services on Saturday, October 18, at the church.

Uverna was born on May 19, 1944, in Mexico, the daughter of John Herbert and Mildred (Kemp) Gardner. She was married to John Brown and they later divorced.

Polly graduated from Mexico High School in 1962. Years ago, she had worked for the Monterey Hotel and cleaned the A.P. Green offices. After working as a nurse for several years, she attended Penn Valley Community College and obtained her Associate's Degree in Physical Therapy. She worked many years with Calvin Canine and retired from Audrain Medical Center late in the 90's.

Uverna was a faithful and active member of Second Missionary Baptist Church. She was the choir director for many years, taught Sunday school, and worked with the Sunbeams. She also worked in the district for many years and belonged to the Church Mission. Additionally, she was a member of the Eastern Star.

Survivors include her son, Todd (Vickie) Gardner of Mexico; four grandchildren, Marcus Johnson of Mexico, Chad (Whitney) Gardner of Mexico, Tamara Gardner of Mexico, and Toddneisha "Nikki" Fugate of Seattle, Washington; nine great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Polly was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings, Veryl Forrest, Janice Wilkerson, John Herbert Gardner, Jr., Mamie Gardner, James "Pete" Gardner, and an infant twin sister.

Memorial donations may be made to Second Missionary Baptist Church. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.