The city of Oxford honored its newest centenarian on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as Mayor Alton Craft presented Polly Mathis with a resolution honoring her upcoming 100th birthday on February 27, 2026.

The presentation was made at the Oxford Performing Arts Center, where Mathis is an audience regular, prior to the performance of “Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Hollywood.”

The proclamation reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Polly Ann Bell Waterhouse Mathis was born on February 27, 1926, in Oakland, Georgia, near downtown Atlanta, during a pivotal era in American history; and
WHEREAS, at the age of nineteen, Polly married Leighton Waterhouse, and together they raised their son, Don, while building a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. They later moved to Oxford and shared many years of devoted marriage, and
WHEREAS, following the passing of her first husband, Polly demonstrated remarkable strength and determination by attending secretarial school and beginning a career with the Department of Human Resources, while residing in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Oxford; and
WHEREAS, Polly later married Dave Mathis, and together they shared a deep commitment to service, faith, and fellowship as devoted members of First Baptist Church of Oxford; and
WHEREAS, in 1982, at the encouragement of Pastor Buddy Nelson, Poly and Dave founded and led the Triple L Club – “Live Longer and Like It” – providing meaningful fellowship, encouragement, and activities for Oxford’s senior adults, a role they fulfilled for many years with dedication and joy, including coordinating senior adult activities at the request of the City of Oxford; and
WHEREAS, Polly has been a proud season ticket holder of the Oxford Performing Arts Center since its opening and continues to enjoy performances and celebrate the arts alongside fellow music lovers; and
WHEREAS, reaching the age of one hundred years is a rare and extraordinary milestone, and Polly Ann Bell Waterhouse Mathis stands as a personal representative of America’s Greatest Generation, whose life reflects perseverance, service, generosity, and community spirit;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Alton Craft, Mayor of the city of Oxford, Alabama, do hereby proclaim February 27, 2026, as POLLY ANN BELL WATERHOUSE MATHIS DAY in the city of Oxford, and encourage all citizens to join in celebrating her remarkable life, her lasting contributions to our community, and her 100th birthday with gratitude and admiration.

The Oxford Arts Council honored Mathis with a special birthday reception in The Studio following the “Hollywood” program.