Pauline Gravlee, or Polly, of Florence, has lived life well.

She was born and reared in Birmingham. She studied psychology at Samford University, then Howard College.

Before she got her degree, she was a secretary at U.S. Steel in Birmingham. During this time, she attended the University of Alabama extension center at night.

“I taught psychology one year at Mary Hardin Baylor College in Belton, Texas. Then, I earned my master’s degree in counseling psychology at Peabody, now part of Vanderbilt University.”

From there, Gravlee accepted a position as dean of women at Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Va.

In 1954, Gravlee became the dean of women at the University of North Alabama, then Florence State Teachers College.

“Mainly I worked in student affairs and oversaw residence halls. I was the last dean of women at UNA,” Gravlee said.

The last four years of her career in education, Gravlee taught sociology at UNA.

Gravlee grew up in the Baptist church and has been a member of First Baptist Church of Florence since 1954.

“I joined the Baptist church when I was 9 years old,” she said.

Gravlee has taught adult Sunday school classes, led a grief support group and led the church’s mission committee.

Gravlee is an avid reader, but doesn’t limit herself to one genre.

“I am a generalist,” she said. “I read fiction, as well as nonfiction, and I am a member of the Florence Library. Now I’m reading Francine Rivers’ book, ‘The Prince.’ ” She said she also has enjoyed Catherine Marshall’s works.

Gravlee said she likes to keep up with the political scene. She subscribes to Newsweek and the TimesDaily. She enjoys Alabama Public Television, the History Channel and Braves baseball games. She belongs to the YMCA and meets there mornings during the week for water exercise. She goes to all of UNA’s home football games.

Gravlee has a collection of “carolers,” made by Byers’ Choice Ltd., of Chalfont, Pa. Each caroler features a joyful and lifelike facial expression with an open mouth and song book. They line her mantle and garnish her chair side tables.

“My family used to give them to each other,” she said, “and I have many others packed away.”

Gravlee also likes to travel. She said her first trip to Europe was in 1962.

“I liked Italy the best, especially its scenic countryside,” she said.

She also has been to England, France, Germany, Sweden, Scotland, China, New Zealand and Australia.

Gravlee’s philosophy of life is “Whatever is to be will be.” And, she adds, “I believe in John 3:16, and I would like for others to believe in it, too.”