Shirley Whitney Polk was born July 20, 1935 in St. Louis, MO to parents Blunt and Emma Whitney.
She was married to her loving husband Albert (Al) Polk for 51 years. To their union, two sons were born, Allen Whitney and Micheal Whitney Polk, who preceded her in death.
Shirley was employed at BJC Hospital for 43 years in nursing service. She retired in 2006. She was a board member of the Skinker-Debalivier Neighborhood Community for 20 years and a resident for 43 years. She was also a 28th Ward Democrat member for 20 years as well as VP and co-owner of SPP Productions Fashion Modeling and Talent Agency of St. Louis. Shirley was the author of a cookbook titled Shirley in the Kitchen. She was a lifelong member of Transfiguration Lutheran Church of St. Louis at 1807 Biddle Street.
Shirley leaves to cherish her memories: a devoted husband, Albert (Al) Polk; a son, Allen Whitney; grandson, Allen Whitney (Teisha); great-grandson, Aiden; great-granddaughter, Aiyana; brother-in-law, Jack D. Polk of Atlanta, GA; sister, Nora Whitney; sister-in-law, Pat Polk of Kankakee, IL; a special niece, Diana Benjamin of Los Angeles, CA; cousin, Naoma Griffin of Bolivar, TN; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
I love you. I know you fought a good fight.
