Pauline Jones was born at Telfair Hospital for Women in Savannah, Georgia, on August 28, to Paul and Bertye Jones. Pauline was the second of three children. Her sister, Rachel Augusta, was the oldest and her brother, Bert, was the youngest. Pauline attended Henry Street Elementary School and finished high school at Savannah High. Following graduation, she attended Armstrong College and received her Bachelors of Science in Zoology from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Following graduation, she went to work at the State Laboratory of Hygiene in Durham, NC, for the research team whose work led to the discovery of the Pap smear. During her Durham years, her life changed significantly when she was introduced to Otis Allen Zachary, Jr. by a friend of hers. It was a blind date and a match made in heaven. Al said the minute he laid his eyes on her he knew he was going to marry her. So Al began taking the bus to Durham from NC State nearly every weekend to court her.

On July 1, 1950, one of the hottest days in Savannah that summer, Pauline Jones married Al Zachary. Their union lasted almost 53 years. In 1952, Margaret Ann was born in Winston Salem, NC, and 2 years later, 1954, Rachel Allen was born. Al worked for Hanes Knitting while Pauline stayed home to care for Margaret and Rachel. On January 1, 1956, they made their move to Galax, VA, for Al to become the manager of Hanes Knitting on Glendale Road. In 1958, James Taliaferro was born, and in 1960, Sarah Elizabeth was born. Al continued to work, and Pauline stayed home taking care of her beloved children.

Despite her many family commitments, Pauline found time to become a valued community volunteer. She chaired many committees at First United Methodist Church, was involved with United Methodist Women, church circles, Bible School, and was active with the Arts Council of Galax. She was one of the founders of the Galax Book Club and served as president. After the youngest of her four children headed off to first grade, there was no one at home to keep her company. She began working at Galax General Hospital, as a lab technician. Later a teaching position at Galax High School opened, and she was hired to teach biology. She had to become certified to continue to teach and acquired endorsements in many science areas. She traveled to and from Radford College and, in 1983, earned her Master's Degree in Science. Pauline continued to teach at Galax High School until 1992 when she retired to help take care of Margaret during her illness. Margaret went to be with the Lord on February 1, 1993. Pauline was forever grateful for the special time she spent with her daughter during those months. Pauline was a very strong woman in herself and her faith.

Pauline Jones Zachary passed away peacefully Thursday morning, January 8, 2015. She is survived by her two daughters, Rachel Zachary of Vienna, VA; Sarah Massie, son-in-law, Lenny, two grandchildren, Margaret Ann and Allen Zachary Massie of Richmond VA; son-in-law Douglas Vaught, his wife, Mary Ellen Rudy, three grandchildren, Sarah of Radford, VA, Zachary, his wife Amelia and James, his wife Robin; daughter-in-law, Gay Zachary of Galax, two grandchildren, Benjamin of Abu Dhabi, UAE and Gordon Zachary and his wife, Shelby, of Orlando, FL., along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Al Zachary; daughter, Margaret Zachary Vaught; and son James T. Zachary, all of Galax, VA.

The family will receive friends at Vaughan – Guynn Funeral Home in Galax on Sunday, January 11, from 3 to 5 PM. The celebration of Pauline's life will be at First United Methodist Church of Galax at 11 AM on Monday, January 12th. Burial to follow at Felts Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First United Methodist Church of Galax, 306 W. Center Street, Galax, VA 24333, or the Arts Council of Twin Counties, 608 W. Stuart Drive, Galax, VA 24333.