The Honorable Minnie P. Sturdivant Staton… One of ten children, born to the late Johnny Polk and Ressie Brown Polk, in Richmond County, North Carolina, Minnie P. Sturdivant Staton was raised in Anson County and attended the East Polkton School. After high school, she married her childhood sweetheart and the love of her life, Larry Sturdivant. They were married for more than 33 years till death did them part. Later, she married Seabern Staton. They were married for over ten years.
A mother of three, she was a dedicated member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and worked in various capacities. She was also an active community member, serving on the Beatification Committee, East Polkton Civic Group, and the Election Board, among other organizations.
In 1985, Minnie P. decided to go back to school, realizing life had more to offer and remembering the East Polkton School motto, “Preparedness is the keynote to success.”
She enrolled in the Anson School of Cosmetology where she worked a full time job and attended school at night. Minnie graduated with high honors in 1987, and became the owner of Minnie P’s Beauty Salon in downtown Polkton in 1993 with over 30+ years of experience.
With a deep commitment to her town, she worked with the Board of Election at the polls and actively participated in Town Meetings, driven by a passion for the betterment of Polkton. Her journey to public service was guided by a calling from God, leading her to become the first Black woman elected to the Town Council, achieving the highest number of votes in Polkton’s history.
Minnie P. Sturidvant was selected May 5, 2003 by the Polkton Town Council to fill the seat vacated by former councilman Mark White. Her leadership was further recognized when she was elected as the first Black female mayor pro term 2003-2005 completing the term of the Honorable Walter McDaniel due to his untimely death. She was elected mayor 2005-2011. In 2011, it was a tie and they had to draw straws and she lost. Returning to service as mayor in 2013-2019.
Alongside her civic duties, she was an avid bowler. She bowled with many local leagues. Minnie P., who was devoted to her family, loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and siblings, whether it was traveling or group gatherings.
Minnie P. was the proud parent of her three children, her two sons: Larry Polk of Charlotte, NC and E-Learn Sturdivant (Ophelia) of Lilesville, NC, and her daughter Felicia Leggett ( Gilbert) of Durham, NC.
She leaves her six grandkids: Marquita Sturdivant, Keyona Jordan (Marcus), E-Learn Sturdivant Jr., Caitlin Leggett, Naveah Sturdivant, and Marcale McLendon. She leaves six great grandchildren Jahmerie, Chance, E’najiah, Elijah, Ethan, and Nyla.
As a loving grandmother, aunt, and more, she leaves behind a host of nieces, and nephews, who adored her in life and in death.
Minnie leaves behind her loving siblings Lillie Watkins (Sherman) of Norwood, NC. Velvet Sturdivant of Polkton, NC. Catha Coleman (Freddie) of Wadesboro, NC. Jimmy Polk of Polkton, NC. She also leaves behind her sister-in-laws Gloria, Lillie, Marie, and Karen Polk, Inez, Marva, Mary, Brenda, and Denise Sturdivant, Cynthia Huntley, and Phyllis Cox. Her brother-in-laws Bryant and Steve Sturdivant.
She was preceded in death by her siblings Mary Jane Lewis, John Polk, Jerry Polk, Eugene Polk, Ricky Polk, and her daughter-in-law Sadie Polk.
The Homegoing Services will be on Thursday, June 19, 2025, 12:00pm, Smith’s Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will be in the family plot of Williams Cemetery, Polkton, North Carolina.
Karen Polk sent The Loving Light Dishgarden for MRS. MINNIE POLK STURDIVANT STATON - June 19, 2025
Mrs. Minnie was as sweet as they come, great hair dresser, started with her at the use to be Mini Mart shop, she will be missed, my heart is heavy, rest in peace sweet lady.
On behalf of Myself and the staff of Anson County Sheriff's Office, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family at this time. We pray that you will have comfort in the midst of your pain and peace in the midst of your sorrow.
Prayers and condolences to the family. Levones Taylor
Continued Prayers For You All As You Go Through This Trying Time 🙏 Eddie and Family
She was a quiet Spirit,always humble soft spoken,very friendly she will truly be missed Mary Wright
Deepest condolences for your loss, Praying for you and your family.
My condolences and prayers to the family. Minnie was sweet person we worked together for a long time
To the family you have my deepest sympathies. "One day we can say I am not sick." Isa. 33:24. Michael & Lucy Johnson
My condolences and prayers to the family.
So sorry for your loss. Praying God will strengthen and comfort the family during these difficult times. Marie Polk & family. ❤️❤️❤️
Our deepest condolences to the family. Keeping the family in thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Charles & Shirley McLendon
Love & Prayers to you all. Minnie was a good friend to us ❤️🙏
Minnie and my husband Louis were classmates, and she had a nice personality and beautiful smile. she definitely will be missed by all who knew her.
Our Condolences to the entire family. We very sorry for your loss.
My condolences to the family praying 🙏
We would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family. Please know that your mom made a big impact on us personally, she was an inspiration to us, always positive and encouraging. You and family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Anja Patton-Evans & Ray Evans
My deepest condolences to her entire family. Beautiful memories talking to her at the beauty shop. I last saw her at Dr. Patton's home going.🙏🥰😥
My condolences to the STURDIVANT/STATION Family. May God grant you peace in the days ahead.
Sending prayers and love to the family and friends 🙏❣️
My condolences to the family she was such a sweet lady
We are praying that God's Amazing Grace and Awesome Mercy cover you during this difficult time and continue to abide with you in the days to come. Love and Blessings from our family to yours❤️
My prayers are with the family during this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you all.
So sorry for your loss. You have our deepest condolences. Praying for the family!!!
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.