Pauline Watson "Curly" Fife

Pauline Watson Fife

Pauline Watson Fife, Hinton, West Virginia's oldest and one of its most prominent citizens, passed away on Saturday, October 2, 2010, at the age of 106.

She will be long remembered as one of Summers County's most outstanding high school teachers and as one who had a significant impact on the lives of several generations of students.

Pauline, affectionately known as "Curly", was born in Philippi, West Virginia, on July 12, 1904, to Joseph and Dora Watson. She graduated from Philippi High School and then went on to West Virginia University where she earned both her BA and MA degrees in Education. She returned to Philippi where she started her teaching career.

In 1934, at the height of the Great Depression, she married J. Leonard Perry and moved to Summers County where he held a position in the County's school system. Pauline joined the faculty of Talcott High School and later transferred to Hinton High School where she remained until her retirement in the early 1970s, a span of over 35 years. Over the years Pauline taught numerous subjects including journalism, French, and English literature, the latter being her true passion.

In 1961, Pauline married C.E. "Ed" Fife. By that time both were widowed, and their years together were a very happy time for them. She continued to teach, but also began to travel extensively to far away places such as China, Brazil, Egypt and numerous destinations across Europe.

Widowed again in 1973, Pauline devoted her energies to her family and to her continued interest in public education. As a long time teacher, she held a deep belief that education is the most important element in helping young people reach their full potential and that every deserving graduate of Summers County High School be encouraged to go on to college. This conviction and her devotion to the young people of Summers County led to the creation in 1987 of the Fife Scholarship Program which has now provided scholarships to over 60 students. This was one of Pauline's proudest accomplishments.

In addition to her legacy as an educator, Pauline was actively involved in the Hinton Community. She was a long standing member of the First Presbyterian Church and a participant in numerous community clubs and charities including the Wednesday Club and Friends of the Summers County Library. She was a loyal alumna of Delta Kappa Gamma, a staunch life long Democrat, and a proud West Virginian. Always on the go, Pauline's positive attitude and cheerful demeanor will be remembered for years to come.

Pauline was predeceased by her husband, Ed and son, Steve. She is survived by Steve's widow, Julie Fife and their children, Stephanie Fife Simpson and her husband, Shayne, and Clark Fife; her son, Gene Fife and his wife Anne, along with their children, David Fife and his wife, Marian, Amy Fife Parker and her husband, Huntley, Alex Fife and Elizabeth Fife; seven great-grandchildren and nieces, Nell Carter and Nancy Olson.

Pauline's family wishes to express sincere appreciation to her primary caregivers during the past few years including Angeleen Ballengee, Brenda Allen, and the extremely able staff of physicians and nurses at the ARH Summers County Hospital's long term nursing facility.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, October 9, 2010, at the Pivont Funeral Home Chapel in Hinton. Burial will follow at Restwood Memorial Gardens.

The Fife family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 8, 2010, at the Pivont Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to make memorial contributions to the First Presbyterian Church in Hinton or to the Summers County Library.

Online condolences and guest register available at www.pivontfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pivont Funeral Home, Hinton, West Virginia.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.