Rev. Dr. Charles E. Polk, Sr. Obituary in Jackson at Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

Obituary For Rev. Dr. Charles E. Polk, Sr.

Private funeral services will be Monday, June 1, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., St. Luther M.B. Church, 1040 Banks Street, Jackson, MS 39203 with burial in Autumn Woods Cemetery, 4000 W. Northside Drive, Jackson, MS 39209. Public walk thru viewing, Sunday, May 31, 2020 from 1:00 -6:00 p.m., St. Luther Family Life, 1040 Banks Street, Jackson, MS 39203.

Born July 11, 1935, Charles Edward Polk Sr was the 2nd of 6 children born to Mr. Jim and Nicie Ree Polk of Jackson, MS. In that large household his character and work ethic were formed. He was taught to know the Lord as a child at Christ Temple Church of Christ in Jackson where he was baptized. He attended Lanier High School and soon after, met the lovely Miss Eddie Mae Spann of Brandon, MS. They were married on January 26, 1956. Their union was blessed with two sons: Charles Jr. and Ray Harold.

God’s hand was on Charles’ life. He joined the renowned Jackson Southernaires and sang gospel throughout the country. During this time, he refined his voice, creating a rich powerful sound recognizable by gospel fans everywhere. He later retired from the group to focus on family; but couldn’t deny God was dealing with him. He joined True Light MBC where he served Pastor R.H. Walls as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent and Male Chorus member, until he could no longer ignore the call to preach the Gospel.

In 1973, he became Pastor at New True Light MBC in Canton, MS. Then the call came from St. Luther MBC in Jackson; he accepted and in 1975 became their 8th Pastor. He also graduated from McKinley Theological College. At St. Luther he would leave his greatest legacy. With First Lady Polk by his side, he became St. Luther’s longest serving pastor. In his 40+ years, he counseled, married, funeralized, baptized, sang and unapologetically preached the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“The Son of Thunder” as he was affectionately called, became nationally known and in demand. However, he did not neglect home. He cared for his family, flock, and community. Known for his welcoming smile, you could find Pastor Polk visiting the sick and shut-ins. Or see him working the Senior Citizen Food drive with friend, Frank Bluntson. He served in the S.C.L.C, NAACP and Ministers Union. He served the MSGBSC, Inc., the National Baptist Convention U.S.A. and was on the Board of the MS Mass Choir and Central MS Health Services. He received multiple MS Gospel Music Awards and MLK Honoree awards. Through his dedication to West Jackson, St. Luther invested millions to build a Family Life Center and a beautiful sanctuary. In Dec. 2019, Jackson’s City Council recognized his commitment with their unanimous approval to rename Banks street in his honor. And he was there to witness it.

Pastor Polk Sr. served St. Luther until his health led him to retire in 2015. He was overjoyed when eldest son, Charles Jr. was elected St. Luther’s 9th Pastor! He was proud seeing his vision realized and expanded by his son’s leadership. He even enjoyed livestreamed services.

Pastor Emeritus Charles Polk Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, brothers James and Howard; and his beloved wife of 62 years (Eddie Mae). Celebration of Life Services: Public Walk-Through Viewing on Sun., May 31st from 1-6pm at St. Luther’s Ideal Clark Family Life Center. A private family service will be held Mon. June 1st at 11am. It will be shown live on St. Luther’s Facebook page (@stluthermbc). CDC practices in full effect on-site.

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To the family of the Late Rev. Charles E. Polk, Sr., may you find tranquility in knowing friends and love ones share in the passing of your dearly departed. May God comfort you today and days to come with the sweet memories of The Son of Thunder. Sincerely, Deacon & Deaconess Willie & Cynthia Flowers

Pastor C.E.Polk Sr You were a Servant of God. You walk the walk, you talk the talk you songs and hymns throughout the land and country. Those songs and hymns were touching and somebody got save through them because there a message in them. Most of all You preach the UNADULTERATED WORD GOD. The word reach from the pulpit to the backdoor. The word brought sinners to repentance backsliders to return and restore membership and it also brought some college student join under watch care. Pastor Polk you were a solider on the battlefield, 2 Timothy 4:7-8 You fought a good fight, you finish your course now you gone to receive your reward which will be given on that day. Pastor Polk rest in peace. My prayer is with the Polk family. I am praying for your strength in the Lord, His there and God will see you all through.

Pastor Polk Sr, you have embodied the full definition of what it is to be a real man and a shepherd of God. From when I was a child and you lifted us up in the air with joy, all the way to us being adults and you lifting us up with the word of God. After hearing your robust voice sending out God's message, I knew that Jesus was in the building. We love you, we miss you and thank you for your life service to God and serving him so well. Thank You so much! From Raphael Tate and the Tate Family.

Sending prayers of comfort and hope to the family of Dr. Charles E. Polk, Sr.
The Lanier High School Class of 1959

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Angela Flowers-Simmons and family

Pastor, I thank God for all the lessons learned and your leadership. you taught me that humbleness was not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength under control, you taught me how to forgive, how to praise my way through the trials of life, how to walk in faith and trust God's word. You married me off, you buried my two brothers, you mentored my husband in his ministry and when we lost our first child you and Mother came down and counseled and ministered to us. You taught us as young people in the Inspirational Choir to allow the Holy Spirit to use us. When all the other churches wouldn't allow the young people to rock and clap in church, you taught us to be free in serving the Lord. I will forever love you, Margie Stubbs LeBeouf and family.

Take your rest soldier. I will see you in that great getting up morning. Thank you for every lesson you taught, the correction you gave, every sermon you preached that stirred the soul, your prayers that reached the heart, the support you showed, but most importantly the life that you lived. You will always be a part of my life and I will always tell your story! Rev. Jeremy F. Robertson, Sr. and family.

We wil miss you dearly and I will keep the family in my prayer Mr Howard

To the Polk sorry for your lost may pastor Charles Polk sr rest in peace me Howard

Rev. Polk in your words " YOU GOT THIS THANG " Rev, you got your wings, be at rest..

We love you Pastor thank you for all you did for us at ST Luther, showing us how to be servants of Christ, how to love one another, how to be all that we were called to be in Christ. Your memories will always be in our hearts. Now mom can hear you sing "Someone Who Cares" with your thunderous voice once again. You will truly be missed. Until we meet again. Rose Turner and family

Heaven has gained an Angel like no other!! He will truly be missed Prayers for the Family Patricia Sparkman Horton

Pastor, you touched so many lives at ST Luther and around the world. You were truly a Servant of Almighty GOD and will truly be missed, and will forever be in our hearts. Until we meet again your legacy will continue to go forth. As the word of God say's You fought a good fight, you have finished your course, you have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for you a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give You at that day. R I H