Sis. Joyce Polk was born the only child to proud parents, Bro. Isaiah T. Harvey and Sis. Georgia M. Harvey, on June 14 1953 in Waco. They named her Joyce because she had brought such Joy into their lives. Sis. Polk’s household was a household of deep Christian faith; during her life, she was an active servant in Greater Mt Olive Baptist Church and Union Baptist Church, both in Waco. Her parents knew that, along with emphasizing excellence and education, raising a child in the knowledge of God was essential; little did they know how much that could influence the course of many lives of those who knew her.
Some years following her graduation from La Vega High School in 1971, Sis. Joyce met and married the love of his life, a United States Air Force serviceman, Rev. Dwayne Edward Polk Sr of Fort Worth. In 1976, Sis. Polk and her husband moved to back to Waco. Once there, Joyce spread her entrepreneurial wings following her mother after going to school for beauty and cosmetology; she became a beautician/cosmetologist at Marie’s Beauty Salon in Waco. Later, Joyce pursued further education at Paul Quinn College in Waco, receiving her Bachelor degree in Social work with honors in 1984. After this, she pursued her license in Social Work and worked at the Mexia State School in Mexia. Joyce believed in advocating for the needs of others. Because of this desire, she later found her passion in serving geriatric community in the long term care setting.
Sis. Joyce was a lifelong learner and, in 2002, she earned her Associate’s Degree in Nursing and received her Master’s in Nursing in 2018. Even as much as Sis. Joyce valued learning, she valued caring for others even more!
Sis. Joyce was a hardworking, devoted mother who held many occupations to help take care of her family and help others. She has worked in counseling, cosmetology, real estate, emergency room nursing, diabetic education, med surgical, geriatric specialization, as well as hospital and hospice administration.
Sis. Joyce also served in the Church as Deaconness, choir member, usher, support nurse, as well as a faithful wife and witness to her husband, Dwayne, when he served as Deacon and, eventually, became ordained into formal ministry in the Baptist church. Sis. Joyce also cared deeply for the city of Waco and was an active participant in different civic arenas, working to make Waco a better place. For example, she worked with the Waco Housing Authority as well as being a member in good standing of Chi Eta Phi nursing sorority.
Sis. Joyce has always been a loving, caring person that enjoyed to be with people and had a deep sense of ecology. People have remarked time again about her smile, encouragement, as well as a passion for plants and gardens. She would often say that gardening was her way of taking care of God’s earth. Sis. Joyce also loved enjoying lots of music, collecting antique material, reading books of all types, as well as being a person who strongly believed in family and togetherness. Joyce would often say, as her father before her, “Let the life I have lived speak for me.”
Sis. Polk is survived by her father-in-law, George Ivra Polk; five brothers-in-law; as well as her children, Dwayne Polk II and Dwayce Polk Miles; grandchildren, Chelsea Miles, Lucian Polk, Logan Polk, Ajna Hughes-Polk, Amiyas Hughes-Polk; along with many other family members.
Sis. Joyce Marie Harvey Polk, 68, passed away Thursday January 6, 2022.
Visitation: 2 to 4:30p.m. Wednesday, January 12 at Lake Shore Funeral Home.
Memorial Service: 11a.m. Thursday, January 13 at Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church, 500 Turner St, Waco, TX 76704. (Due to Covid 19, masks will be required.)
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My prayers and thoughts are with you all. I’ve known Joyce for many years, she always greeted you with a smile and a hug. She will be truly missed.
Sis. Brenda Anderson
My condolence to the family, Joyce was a beautiful lady inside and out. I worked with Joyce at Greenview Manor for several years, she always carried herself in a godly manner. Joyce will truly be missed but Heaven got a beautiful angel. May God comfort and give you strength as you take this journey, remember you are never alone nor forsaken.
Family, I am praying for and with you. 💙
My condolence to the family. Joyce was a delightful and truly a wonderful person. From back in the days when she would do my hair she always had a beautiful smile and a knack for being gracious and full of grace. She will be missed greatly by her family and friends because she always had that infectious smile and love for others.
Dwayce and Dwayne – Your mother was a beautiful and strong woman. I remember her (and your dad) being so supportive of a fairly new teacher back when y’all were in elementary school. I know she will be greatly missed. Prayers for peace for the family.
Much love.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom attended nursing school at MCC and I had the pleasure of being her professor. She was professional, kind, caring and compassionate. She was life long learner and set and achieved many goals. I will miss seeing her smiling face and encouraging words. Prayers for your family during this difficult time.
Sending Prayers, Hugs and Love!!
Dwayne and Dwayce, I am very sorry for you all loss. Your mom was a very beautiful lady and always kept a smile whenever I seen her. God bless you all.
Dwayne and Dwayce , my deepest sympathies go out to you and your families. May God give each of you the peace that you need to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your heart.
I pray that my condolences bring you comfort and my prayers ease the pain of your loss. Joyce was my cousin and I will miss her always and remember her fondly. I am here for you all if you need me.
Joyce I will miss you greatly. What an empty space you will leave in my heart. My prayers to the family and friends. Loved you dearly.
May the Lord continue to comfort your hearts today and in the days to come. Our thoughts and prayers are being sent your way from your family in Knoxville, TN.
I have a lot of fond memories of spending Days of Summer on Armstrong Drive with Joyce and will cherish them.
We hope the special love that this brings will help to see you through.