Carolyn Polk

~~Racine – Carolyn Joyce Polk, age 72. God called Carolyn home Thursday, February 4, 2016 . She was born on January 18, 1944 in Tyler, TX to Albert Sidney Thompson and Myrtle Lee Henderson Thompson. Carolyn attended Tyler Independent School District, graduating from Emmett J. Scott High School in 1962, where she served as a cheerleader and a member of the Girls Tri-Hi-Y Club. She left Tyler and continued her education at Wilson Jr. College in Chicago, IL with an emphasis in education. Carolyn married Nelba J. “Melvin” Polk on June 24, 1963 in Chicago, IL.  The joy of their union was the birth of their three sons; Derrick E. Polk, Brian K. Polk, Reginald A. Polk, and her husband’s (Nelba) son  James C. Polk whom she loved as much as her biological sons.  Carolyn and family later relocated to Racine, WI in September of 1971. Carolyn began her love for education working at Racine Unified School District in 1979 as a Reading/Teaching Assistant. Later in her career as an educator, she began working for Exceptional Education (EX.ED) as a Teaching Assistant. She loved teaching and caring for children for 20 years until she retired in 1999.  The children were like her family.  Carolyn loved being around and helping people, that’s why she was so loved. Carolyn was a kind, gentle, firm-spoken lady who loved her family dearly. Being a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Carolyn blessed the lives of many with her words of encouragement and her strong Christian faith. Her sweet, sweet spirit was loved and will be lived on in each of us who loved her. Carolyn and Nelba’s son Reginald said it best, “God sent His angel Nelba J. Polk" to pick up his lady Carolyn Joyce Polk to come and take this glorious ride home with him.”  God told Nelba to relay to Carolyn that her work on earth was done, that her life in heaven has just begun. Your struggles here were hard and long, but they’re over now, you’re finally home. As a Child, Carolyn was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church of Tyler, TX, where she accepted Christ at an early age. After moving to Racine, she joined Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church. Even though Carolyn loved Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church, God moved her and her family to St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Racine. At St. Paul, Carolyn served as a member and later became the President of the Ruth Circle Mission, Mother’s Board, and served on the Kitchen Committee until her health failed. She also enjoyed coming to church and being with the St. Paul members that became her new extended family.  Carolyn was a proud National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) member. 
She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her home going, family and friends that loved her and will always remember her – four sons, Derrick E. (April) Polk, Brain K (Kimberly) Polk, and Reginald A. (Molly) Polk, all of Racine, and  James C. (Rev. Mary) Polk of Victorville, CA;  nine grandchildren, Tyrel Cox of San Bernardino, CA; Siobhan A Polk of Fort Worth, TX; Demetrius H. Polk  currently active in the United States Navy stationed in San Diego, CA; Devon M. Polk, and Madisen Z. Polk currently attending University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI; Jordon R. Polk, Brooklynne S. Polk, Hailey E. Polk, and Trey M. Polk, all of Racine; four step-grandchildren, Toneidra Lloyd of Gary, IN; Trevise Griffin, Norman Jamerson, and Timothy Jamerson, all of Victorville, CA; sisters and brothers, Suddie Houston, of Dallas, TX; Richard Thompson, Alfred (Hermania) Thompson of Palestine, TX; Jesse (Shannon) of California; Clara Thompson and Debra (Fred), all of Tyler, TX; sister-in-law  “sister”,  Flora Polk of Louisville, KY; and Sharon Thompson of Chicago, IL; special friends, Martha Griffin, Linda Spight, Doris Stewart, Ella Richardson, Alma Allen and L.T. Ivy. She is also survived by a large host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. In addition to her parents, Albert and Myrtle Thompson, her husband Nelba J. “Melvin” Polk; two brothers, Albert Sidney and Fred Raymond Thompson preceded her in death.
 
A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 11:00 am in St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1123 Center Street, with Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby, Sr. officiating. Viewing will be in St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church on Friday evening from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 – 11:00 am.  Burial will take place in the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.