Celebration of a Long Life, Well Lived.

Evelyn Doris Philyaw Polk

Sunrise: August 23, 1931 Sunset: October 13, 2024

Evelyn Doris Philyaw Polk was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, and passed away in Aiken, South Carolina, at age 93.

Evelyn graduated from Tuskegee Institute High School in Tuskegee, Alabama, where she discovered her aptitude for science and interest in medicine. She studied nursing at Tuskegee Institute and Grady Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Atlanta, GA.

Once she obtained her nursing license, Evelyn began her career as a registered nurse at Grady Memorial Hospital. She had a long and compassionate career as a registered nurse, working at Grady Memorial Hospital during a time when, as was the case everywhere in the South, all aspects of patient care were segregated by race.

“Grandma talked to me about those days,” remembers her granddaughter Merina, who Evelyn inspired to become a nurse. “She said she knew without a doubt that she’d passed all her exams and decided to celebrate by drinking from the ‘whites-only’ drinking fountain. When a security guard chastised her, she waved him away. She said there was nothing special about the water.” It was as if some barrier had been broken, even if it was the law of the land. She was determined that it would never hold her back or down in her career.

“Life is like a mountain railroad from the cradle to the grave.” Evelyn Polk

Evelyn became well-known as a compassionate and extremely competent healthcare professional who mentored several younger nurses. Over the years, life's twists and turns and her career climb placed her at the University Hospital and the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, both in Cleveland, OH, before she returned to Atlanta and retired from the Georgia State Board of Nursing in 1998 after serving several years in administrative leadership. In addition to her nursing career, Evelyn supported numerous organizations, including many years of work with the Southeast Conference on Addictive Disorders (SECAD).

It has been said that there are only two lasting bequests we can leave our children...one is roots, and the other is wings. As important as her nursing career was to Evelyn, she was deeply devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never wanted to miss any of their events. They each have so many memories of Evelyn, aka GG (Great-Grandma) or Bunky (everyone else in the family).

Grandma Polk and I shared so many adventures. She always had time for family and was just a great person, all around. To me, she was just awesome. I love you, grandma!!! Theodore Polk, III, Grandson

“One of the things that I loved most about Bunky,” muses granddaughter Nikki, “was that she nurtured my connection to our family and my appreciation for where and who I came from. She always shared stories and was the keeper of our family history. One of my most cherished memories is when she and Papa Joe took my children and me to Edisto Island. We had so much fun together at the beach, eating seafood and sitting on the porch in the evenings, talking for hours.”

“When an elder dies, a library burns.” African Proverb

“GG was extremely proud of her family and never missed an opportunity to let those around her know who we are,” reminisced granddaughter Lenda. “One simply could not escape being introduced to whoever was in our walking path. It was always a cringe-worthy experience, but I appreciate that she was so intentional about showing us off to the world!”

Evelyn enjoyed a rich, full life of worldwide travel, reading, fashion, choral music, gardening, and cooking. She was well-known for her delicious pound cakes, shrimp creole, and broccoli and cheese cornbread. Her fashion sense was legendary.

“Grandma introduced me to her macaroni and cheese, collard greens and cornbread. It was the BEST!!” Brian Maxey, Grandson

Tall and willowy, stunning in her short afro accented by sculptural cheekbones, Evelyn had a unique sense of fashion anchored by African attire, European couture and a magnetic presence. She shopped as if it was a life calling and amassed a collection of unusual jewelry, attire…and elephant figurines. She collected hundreds of them because she said that elephants symbolized strength, patience, loyalty, and intelligence.

“Grandma, traveler, gifted public speaker, and medical artist, I loved her. She was such a warm encourager and supporter of my musical works and would always ask how the music was going, which I really appreciated. I thank and praise God for her!” Leonard Maxey, Jr., Grandson.

Evelyn's sense of humor was both nuanced and raucous. She could also be fiery when needed and never suffered fools. She was a fascinating conversationalist, a generous caregiver, and a nurturing hugger. She and Joe were philanthropic, helping to support their church, St. John’s Methodist, and several other organizations and causes.

Evelyn’s long life allowed her to witness transformational history, including the Great Depression, World War II, the detonation of the first atom bomb, the Civil Rights Movement, the moon landing of the Apollo crew (aided by Black female mathematicians, scientists, and engineers), and the assassinations of John F Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. She also worked to help Barack Obama become the first African American President of the United States.

Ancestral Legacies

Evelyn Doris Philyaw Polk was preceded in death by her parents, Carrie Bell Walton Philyaw and Harrison Philyaw, Sr., her daughter Brenda D. Maxey (Leonard), and her former husband, Theodore C. Polk, Sr. She was also preceded by her siblings, • Mozelle M. Lyons • Thelma M. Bunn • Clarence H. Martin, Sr. • Harrison Philyaw, Jr. • Clifton Philyaw

“I’m still kicking, but it ain’t high!” Evelyn Polk

Bunky is survived by her loving partner, Joe B. Martin, Jr., of Aiken, SC, and her son, Theodore C. Polk, Jr. (Denise) of National Harbor, MD. She also leaves behind son-in-law Leonard Maxey, Sr., her grandchildren: • Lenda Maxey Ibere (Khalif) of Augusta, GA • Theodore C. Polk, III (Jacarra) of Milwaukee, WI • Brian P. Maxey (Jennifer, deceased) of Augusta, GA • Leonard C. Maxey, Jr. of Baltimore, MD • Veronica I. Polk Ishii of Baltimore, MD • Merina A. Clark (Irving III) of Accokeek, MD. Her sister, Carrie E. Philyaw of Atlanta, GA, also survives her.

She is also cherished by 15 great-grandchildren, including: Kenneth Spears (Lenda) Nicholas Spears (Lenda) Bleu-Akennee Ibere (Lenda) Johan Polk (Theodore) Judah Polk (Theodore) Kaleb Maxey (Brian) Ethen Maxey (Brian) Mason Maxey (Brian) Aaron Maxey (Brian) Launye Atkins (Brian) Mahki Atkins (Brian) Kaleah Francis (Veronica) Jason Francis II (Veronica) Joshua Francis (Veronica) and Nyumi Clark (Merina), as well as nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

We, whom Bunky leaves behind, disagree with her assessment. She kicked high, hard, long, and joyfully!

A viewing and celebration of life will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc., 3000 M.L.K. Jr. Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30311. Immediately following the service, she will be laid to rest at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, 2284 Candler Rd., Decatur, Georgia 30032.

Family and friends are invited to attend and/or send flowers and condolences to Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc. Thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.