Historical April–May 2012 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Shirley Polk, resident of 57xx DeGiverville since the early 60’s, passed away on March 1.
She leaves her husband Al and many who benefitted from her neighborhood work.
She was 76. Shirley was a member of the Board of the Skinker-DeBaliviere community Council in its early years and as an at-large member from 1987 to 2010.
She always participated in the annual MLK Commemoration and spearheaded an annual food drive for a number of years that collected food from the neighborhood to give to area church pantries.
She was present at almost every SDCC event. Shirley played a very valuable role on her block, serving as a mentor and friend to the children there.
She rewarded the kids that got good report cards.
She and her husband sponsored the West End Picnic in Forest Park every August for children in the area, providing refreshments and organized activities. (SDCC was a sponsor.) She also organized a number of block parties on 57xx DeGiverville including a bazaar and stage for entertainment.
She often took neighborhood kids applepicking and to be photographed with Santa.
She spearheaded the celebration of National Night Out on her block with hula hoop and jump rope contests for the kids.
She also donated grass seed to neighbors. Shirley and Al were also stalwart members of the 28th Ward Regular Democratic Club. Recently, Shirley was very proud of a cookbook she compiled of various down home recipes.
A number of us have that cookbook.
She said that a pastor in New York City had given her the confidence to undertake this project. Shirley will be missed in many ways but perhaps especially on her block.
She reached out and mentored any number of children and if some achieved a certain success, she saw that they received mention in this newspaper. Thank you, Shirley, for all your contributions.
Original photograph caption
Historic Washington Heights annual picnic clipping featuring Shirley Polk and neighbors; original caption retained within crop. Original issue date not identified.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April–May 2012.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: This obituary says March 1 death; News of Neighbors says February 29. Preserve both source reports pending editorial correction.
Original source: SD_Times2012_04.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
