Garnett Crawford Polk

Garnett Crawford Polk departed her physical life on February 2, 2020, following a period of declining strength and health. She was born in Shelby County, Tennessee on April 2, 1935, to the late Rufus Crawford and Tommie Lee Crawford (Jones). She was preceded in death by her oldest sister, Juanita Worrell (Billy), of Cleveland, Ohio and her youngest and only brother, Rufus S. Crawford (Barbara), of Memphis, Tennessee. She was converted to the Christian faith at an early age. She was a member and Deaconess of the Church of God, Beth-EL in Madison, Tennessee, where she served diligently and remained faithful until her death.

She spent most of her formative years in Shelby County where she graduated from Barrett Chapel High School (1952). Throughout her high school years, Garnett prepared herself academically and achieved high honors. She relished math, enjoyed reading, and entered Tennessee State University at the age of 17 years old, which made her one of the youngest members of her class.

Garnett enjoyed seeing her family and traveling the world. She understood and kept the Holy Days of God as a priority in her life. The holidays were special to her and were often spent with family and friends.

Garnett married her college sweetheart and best friend, the late Melvin S. Polk, Sr., on November 27, 1953. Together they brought four sons into this world, Melvin S. Polk, Jr., Pashay R. Polk, Tommy R. Polk, and Gregory A. Polk. Melvin and Garnett were a dynamic, loving, giving and well-respected couple. If you knew them, you felt the atmosphere of care, love, and unity.

Family was her first priority; she was loving, compassionate, and nurturing. Garnett was a devoted wife, mother and sister - it can truly be said that she was a woman of integrity, a woman of her word, and a great example to follow. Her gracious spirit and generosity touched so many hearts throughout her life; she will surely be missed.

Garnett is survived by four sons, Dr. Melvin S. Polk, Jr. (Adolfina), Pashay R. Polk (Robbie), Tommy R. Polk (Debbie), and Gregory A. Polk (Lisa); two sisters, Ann C. Polk (James) of Altadena, California and Barbara Borom (Eddie) of Atlanta, Georgia; two sisters-in-laws, Barbara Crawford of White Plains, Maryland and Dorothy Rivers of Atlanta, Georgia; brother-in-law, Manfred Polk of Lexington, Mississippi; 19 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, a host of cousins, and friends.

The Celebration of Life will be at Hermitage Funeral Home on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 3:00 pm with Pastor William Allen officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until the time of service.

Interment will follow at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.