Pauline Jeanetta Sturdivant

Pauline Jeanetta Hardy Sturdivant was born in Upper Marlboro in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She was the daughter of the late Samuel Henry Hardy and Mary Brown Hardy. She attended public schools in Prince George’s County and Baltimore City, Maryland, and was a graduate of Frederick Douglass High School in Baltimore. Pauline joined Gillis Memorial Christian Community Church at an early age and sang on its Intermediate Choir as a teenager. After completing high school, Pauline worked at the Edgewood Arsenal In Edgewood, Maryland and then began a distinguished career with the Baltimore City Department of Social Services. She held various positions at the Department of Social Services, diligently working her way up from Senior Clerk Stenographer through Case Manager and Family Investment Supervisor until she retired.Pauline was petite, energetic and stylish. She loved to shop and on most days, she could be seen sporting the apparel of Jones New York, her favorite designer. Pauline was especially masterful at shopping for children and did whatever it took to satisfy their fashion wishes. Whether the request was for teardrop slippers or a silver suit, if a child wanted it, Pauline could find it. In addition, Pauline had a passion for interior decorating and took great pleasure in making her home a beautiful and comfortable place for her family and friends to enjoy. She was also an avid walker who loved taking brisk morning walks with her neighbors, often electing to “go around one more time” to get the most out of each walk.When Pauline was not out “ripping and running,” as she liked to say, she was in constant motion at home. She was an extraordinary provider who took wonderful care of her family and friends, including the many children in her life. Dinner gatherings at her home were marked by joy, laughter and her endearing habit of not remembering to take the salad out of the refrigerator until the meal was nearly over.Pauline had a quiet demeanor that belied her strong sense of humor. She was a talented impersonator and could find something funny even in the most serious situations, a special quality that served her well through her last days. Above all, Pauline was a selfless and kind person-so kind, in fact, that she was fondly referred to as “Angel” during her teenage years. She was a rock-solid, stable presence whom her family and friends depended on for her unfailing generosity, sound judgment and uplifting good humor.Pauline leaves behind scores of beloved family members and friends to cherish her memory, including: her husband, Wilbert Vanderbilt Sturdivant, Sr.; two sons Rodric Orrin Sturdivant and Wilbert Vanderbilt Sturdivant, Jr.; two daughters, Judith Murray and Jocelyn Marcia Sturdivant; eight grandchildren, Kaia, Lyrissa, Nicholas, Noah, Adam, Michael, Marley and Maya; one great grandson, Canden; two brothers, William Joseph Hardy and James Hardy; one sister, Shirley Hardy Chapman; three sisters-in-law, Loris Hardy, Bertha Hardy and Margie Sturdivant; an uncle, and aunt, and numerous sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, other relative and dear friends (including wonderful neighbors). Pauline was predeceased by two sisters, Mary Hardy Howard and Dorothy Hardy Griggs.And now, having gone around one last time, Pauline has taken a much needed rest, leaving the beautiful legacy set by her life’s example in our capable hands.

Tributes

Pauline Jeanetta Sturdivant

February 12, 1934 - May 25, 2009