Norma Ann Polk

POLK, Norma Ann, 92, of Richmond, VA, known as Ann to her friends and Gran Ann to her family, went with a joyful heart to be with the Lord on May 30, 2024. Known for her fun, generous, and nurturing personality, she loved her husband and four children passionately and unconditionally, adored her 10 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren, cherished her dogs and granddogs. She was deeply committed to her church (Derbyshire Baptist) and especially her Koinonia and New Visions Sunday School classes and the lifelong friends she developed there. She loved watching football (especially the Washington Commanders), tennis, and all University of Virginia sports, particularly UVA baseball and Lacrosse. Ann was a gifted pianist who could hear a song one time, and then sit down and play it by ear. She often played joyful, happy songs with her great-grandkids who loved banging on the keys while she shared her love of music with them. She was also an avid tennis player, a voracious reader, and outstanding cook.

Ann was a gracious and generous hostess who enjoyed having people and parties in her home. She wanted her home to be a place that was comfortable and inviting to anyone and everyone, and it always was. She regularly hosted theme parties for her large Sunday School class of 100+ people. When the opportunity presented itself to house young people traveling and visiting at their church, she happily opened her door to them. At all times, she wanted everyone to be happy and cheerful!!! She was known to her family (ALL generations) as a game player. From Go Fish to Mah Jongg, and every complicated board game that came out, she had it and she played it….extremely well! One of the first things her great-grandkids said after her passing was how much they would miss playing games with her. Everyone knew that if they went to Gran Ann's house, there would be games! Ann and her husband, Dan, had a marriage for the books. Ann was just 19 when they married and their love for each other only grew through 73 years of marriage. On their 65th anniversary they were written up in the Richmond Newspaper and offered tips to help others develop a lasting, love-filled relationship like they had. Despite being 95 years old himself, Dan selflessly took care of her every need, regularly prepared her meals and always delivered them to her in her chair or bed, joyfully fulfilling all her requests. Their life together began in Louisville, KY, where they were a music ministry duo, Ann on the piano or organ and Dan with his beautiful tenor voice, leading music in churches and choirs. They continued using their musical gifts all over the country, moving many times in connection with Dan's career in the Air Force and later as a Human Resources Executive in the aerospace and banking industries. They lived in Mississippi, Kentucky, Ohio, Northern Virginia, California and Northern Virginia again, before settling in Richmond in 1974. Ann was a graduate of Louisville Girls High School and Campbellsville College where she met Dan. She shared her gift of music and love for children by leading numerous children's music ministries and pre-schools. She had an enormous positive influence on the lives of children in her music groups. They always wanted to go to Miss Ann's choir, even more than their sports events. She was extremely active in all the activities of her four children. Whether it was their education, sports, singing, pageants or any of their other interests. Gran Ann was always thoroughly invested in helping them to pursue their God given gifts. Her family has always said, "If every child had a Gran Ann in their life, this world would be a better place". Ann was predeceased by her parents, Will Austin Cave, Verda Murray Cave; and brother James Austin Cave. She is survived by her husband, Daniel Anderson Polk, Jr; four children: Sherri Lynn Naylor (Buster), Pamela Ann Parker (Roy), Dr. Timothy Daniel Polk (Ingrid), Dr. Thad Anderson Polk (Norma); 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-children.

A private family celebration of Ann's life will be held on July 6, 2024. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Derbyshire Baptist Church, 8800 Derbyshire Road, Richmond, VA 23229.