Pauline Plummer

Facebook obituary photo

Pauline Jeanette Cook Plummer
AKA Curlique
23 Nov 1940 - 23 Aug 2018

Clubs & Associations

Independence Squares
Times Squares

Quick Facts

• her alter-ego, Curlique, hosted the Honky Tonk Queen contest in 1994 when Moolena was unavailable
• featured in the provocative 2007 Calendar as part of the “Skirt Work” team for May. She was the only person wearing clothing in the calendar
• her badge was placed in the middle of Memorial Panel 4 because, as in life, she wanted to be in the center of the action

Medallion Dancer

• 1998 | 10 Year Medallion at Weave The Rose
• 2009 | 20 Year Medallion at DC Diamond Circulate
• 2014 | 25 Year Medallion at Swing Me in St. Louis

Obituary

Pauline Jeanette Plummer was born in Saint James, Jamaica on November 23, 1940 to Frederick Cook and Elvira Hall. She was called to be with the lord on August 23, 2018 at the age of 77.

An only child, Pauline earned the reputation for being a hard worker as well as the stabilizing force in her family. She was a bit of the bread winner and was known for making sacrifices and making the hard decisions in the best interest of her family. One such story has her being unafraid to kill the chickens raised in the family home when the other children would not because they saw them as pets. YES, they all ended up with full bellies. As a youth Pauline was a very strong climber. She would shower mangos down on her friends but saved the sweetest ones for herself.

Pauline was raised in an extended family of aunts and uncles and at age 14 she moved to Havendale, Saint Andrews Jamaica to complete her secondary education. At age 19 Pauline migrated to the United States settling originally in Queens, New York.

Pauline was married to Trevor L. Plummer and from this union she bore two sons, T. Wayne Plummer and Kenneth C. Plummer. The family moved to the Bronx before she and her sons moved to Mount Vernon, New York in the early 1980’s.

Throughout her life Pauline was hard working. She had an entrepreneurial spirit and owned her own business while working two other jobs all at the same time. She went on to receive a degree in accounting from Bronx Community College and also attended Lehman College before settling into a career as an accountant for various businesses. Pauline instilled these characteristics into her boys. At an early age both sons were gifted subscriptions to Black Enterprise magazine thus exposing them to the business world and the leading people of color at the time.

Pauline loved traveling and dancing. She combined the two into a life-long hobby. She was an accomplished square dancer with several dance troops including The Times Square Dance Club. Pauline literally danced her way throughout the United States and other parts of the world. Decked out in traditional western attire, complete with tassel, hat and cowgirl boots. Pauline would often steal the show with very dramatic movements and was always a welcome addition to square dancing conferences and tournaments.

Pauline gallantly fought cancer with the stubbornness and courage she was known for. Pauline leaves a legacy of independence, laughter and love to her two sons, her granddaughter Jeannette, Daughter in law Esperanza, and a host of relatives and friends.

Remembrances

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Pauline Jeanette Plummer, Thursday, August 23 at 10:45pm, after a valiant fight against cancer. Our condolences to her family and friends

She was a long time member of Times Squares, since 1988, and was responsible for the P.O.R. Boutique (Peel Off and Recycle) fundraiser for our Peel the Pumpkin fly-in for many years. She will be greatly missed, not only for her warmth and personality, but her divine outfits which she made herself. "Curlique", dance up a storm, and rest in peace.

“For all of those who cared about Pauline and cared for Pauline. For those who danced with Pauline and paid attention to Pauline. For all those who made a fuss over Pauline and told her she was beautiful (and she was). For all of those who understood the high standards that Pauline had for dress and style. For all of those who stood behind her while she performed. God bless you all because you gave her what she needed and what she earned. Love. Respect. Friendship. Community. A special shout out to Gabriel Rivas-Brito, who always brought out the best in Pauline.”
— Dave Kampel

“Pauline loved a party. Invite her, and she was there — always looking glam with beautifully coiffed hair, perfectly made-up, dressed to the nines. She had a standard that she always kept to.

Some years ago I hosted a party for friends of mine who were visiting from Australia. The food came from Zabars. Pauline approved. The food was served on disposable plates along with disposable glasses and eating utensils. Pauline did not approve.

With a look of disappointment at my faux pas, Pauline went into the kitchen and helped herself to a china plate, a crystal glass, and a silver fork. She helped herself to some of the food, poured herself a glass of champagne (Veuve Cliquot, which she brought to the party already chilled) then took herself over to the most comfortable seat.

Pauline was back where she belonged. Her standards were met. The party could now begin!”
— Edward Sherman

“As Honky Tonk Queen Mum, I knew Pauline for many years. She was always available for absolutely anything. She was big, brash and impossible to embarrass. I’ve noticed some people reminiscing about her performance of Push De Button, which was a song I recommended to her after her magnificent Let’s Get This Party Started. She loved it and I loved watching her perform it. It is hard to believe that all of that love, energy and enthusiasm is gone … and way too soon.”
— Bob Young

“She was always fun to be with and could put a smile on my face without any effort (and often lipstick, too).”
— Bob Fitterman

“Pauline’s smiling face and warm hello made every event she attended always MORE enjoyable. As you all might remember, my mother, Emily, joined Times Squares dancing for several years. You all embraced her so lovingly into the TS family. But as you can imagine, sometimes it was intimidating for her, and not just because of the speed at which we used to dance. The year the convention was in Las Vegas, my mother was considering joining us. Even I was concerned about her being comfortable. Who knows, she might accidentally wander into the moonshine tip! Pauline overheard me expressing my concern, and she assured me that she would not only share a room with my mother, but that she would also keep my mother safe. And true to her word, she took my mother under her wing, and they both had a fantastic time, throughout the convention. This might have been one of the last really fun activities my mother enjoyed, before her Alzheimer’s started to affect her. Whenever I told my mother about TS events, she always asked about Pauline. I know we will all miss Pauline very much.”
— Mark Doyaga

“Leslie and I remember Pauline for her friendship, generosity and enthusiasm in everything she did, she was a wonderful ambassador for the Times Squares. We will greatly miss her at the square dance conventions, her pride in leading us in the Grand March, our early morning gatherings for early bird convention registration, participating in her fabulous convention performances and costume preparations for Peel the Pumpkin. “Get the party started” was truly her theme song.”
— Daniel Savitt

“As a veteran square dancer, I wish to express the loss I feel for the passing of Pauline Plummer. She was loved by many, many square dance club members. Words that come to mind that I feel would accurately describe her would be: warm, loving, abundant and cheerful amongst other traits. She always greeted everyone with a cheerful smile and hugs. A warm greeting for all was just so natural for Pauline. We will all miss her very much.”
— Mario Pecunia

“She was a wonderful kind person. May she dance for eternity with the angels.”
— Heidi Auerbacher

“My heart goes out to her family, both by birth and by IAGSDC, Bob Young especially. Curlique will never be forgotten. She was loved by all, was always a pleasure to have in a square and on the Fun Badge Tour, and was a never ending source of enthusiasm and love. We will miss her terribly. Pauline: give ‘em hell in Heaven!”
— Ett McAtee

“She had such a bubbly personality every time I had the pleasure of seeing her & dancing with her in a square. I’m going to miss that!”
— Ann Balint Rothfuss

“She was my inspiration when helping Erick Blakely (Mz Freeda) & directed Gary Dougan & I to coordinate a local charity for her fundraising number in PS. Such a joy to work with and dance with. She taught me all the other stuff during a Convention was meaningless…just have fun…let it go. Thank you Mz Curlicue for all of your joy & inspiration. See you on the dance floor in another realm.”
— Jim Francis

“Oh no. This so sad to hear. Pauline brightened every room she came in and brightened the day of everyone she talked to. We share in the heartbreak of Times Squares members.”
— Steve Johnson

“Pauline was such a lady of grace AND camp! She befriended me on the Atlanta FBT and I always looked forward to her smile and rolling laugh. Let us carry the best of her with us each day, each dance.”
— Rahn Anderson

Poem

Pauline, you VIBRANT woman by Jennifer Cherry

Dearest Pauline, you VIBRANT woman,

you lift us up.

With your contagious smile and joyful soul,

you lift us up.

Your effervescent laughter that fills the room,

you lift us up.

Through your free-spirited dance, 'Curlicue',

you lift us up.

Inspired by your impeccable style and artistic flair,

you lift us up.

Always offering a helping hand because you care,

you lift us up.

And when we're faced with challenge, sadness, or pain,

you lift us up.

With these seven verses we've only just begun,

but the Lord recognized his masterpiece was done.

So as heaven's gates open to welcome you in,

And their caller shouts “Square up”, we'll see you grin.

We rejoice in the memories that we will treasure,

and the lesson to live each moment, for good measure.

Know that you have forever changed our lives,

touched our hearts, enhanced our minds,

your youthful energy turned back time.

With acts of kindness, selflessness, imparting wisdom along the way,

exuding confidence and resilience through your strong faith.

Pauline, you VIBRANT woman, the bells do chime,

Now let US lift YOU up this final time.

Memorial Panel

• 4UL | Times Squares

Photos

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  Pauline at Peel the Pumpkin

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  Butchart Gardens - Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada, 2012

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  Michael Coan, Mark Bennett, and Pauline Plummer at the Palm Springs Swing & Mix 2017 banquet

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  Facebook obituary photo

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  Pauline Plummer's son Kenneth commissioned a portrait of his Mom, during his trip to Ghana. He said it would be okay to share with her Times Squares family. Kenneth is the tall fellow on the right.

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