Gertrude Lee Polk

Gertrude Lee Polk, the daughter of Willie L. Lee and Katie Peters Lee was born on Thursday, September 2, 1926, in Tatums, Carter County, Oklahoma. After completing her secondary education in Tatums, her life’s journey took her from Oklahoma to California, and eventually to the big city of Chicago. There, in 1961, she met and married Cornelius “Hazziez” Polk and together they embraced the Islamic faith. After their assignment to establish a masjid in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1965, they moved to Florida and made Jacksonville their new home. During her life in Jacksonville, she was ultimately led back to Christ and found her spiritual home in Christianity under the leadership of the late Dr. Mary Austin Jones at We're for Jesus Ministries. 

Gertrude was wise, resilient and led by example. A God-fearing, self-less woman of strong faith, she had a heart of gold and embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship. She was a visionary that knew no bounds. She embodied the true essence of a matriarch. The most important titles that she held were those of mother and grandmother. Gertrude Lee Polk embodied wisdom and grace and was a force to be reckoned with. She nurtured not only her own two children, but also helped to raise her six grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Grandma’s home was a haven of love and unity, where each child felt valued and supported. It was the foundation of countless unforgettable memories that were created during family gatherings, cookouts, birthday celebrations and Thanksgiving feasts. At the heart of it all was her kitchen, where the smell of her famous dishes filled the air. Every bite was made with love. Her cooking was more than just food, it was a tradition and a reminder of the warmth she shared. Her home was a haven for love and connection, a place where family came together and felt cherished.

Gertrude worked hard to lay the foundation of success and determination for the generations that followed her. She started her entrepreneurial journey with a keen eye for business –she ran several successful businesses creating opportunities not only for herself but also for those around her.  In the 1960’s – 1970’s, she established a home daycare, laying a foundation for the future of young children in her neighborhood. She then founded the G & C Shelter Care Center from the 1970’s through the 1990’s offering a safe and nurturing environment for those in need. In the early 1980’s, she opened Lee’s Confectionary Store, a beloved establishment where she served the community with everyday necessities, fresh groceries, homemade ice-cream, and video games for entertainment. Over the years, Gertrude sold everything from her infamous candy apples crab cakes, boiled peanuts, sweet potato pies, Easter & Mother’s Day baskets, essential oils, jewelry, clothing, Krispy Kreme Donuts and the popular candy in the red box – with her infectious personality and sharp wit, she had a natural gift for persuasion – if you ever crossed paths with her, she would effortlessly convince you to buy whatever it was that she was selling. She became a steadfast pillar of the community. She would always work to uplift everyone around her with kindness and generosity and was always willing to help those in need.  

Coming from humble beginnings, through hard work and determination she achieved many of her dreams. She drove luxury cars, wore designer clothes and mink furs and adorned herself with fine jewelry. She balanced it all with grace while caring for her husband and family, while managing thriving businesses with great success.  Along the way, she also fulfilled her dream of traveling to Jerusalem, a place that she had always longed to visit.   

Gertrude Lee Polk transitioned from this earthly realm into the bliss of eternal glory at 3:25 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. She was surrounded by the warm embrace of her loved ones. Heaven truly welcomed home a mighty warrior when Gertrude gained her wings. Gertrude was preceded in eternal rest by her parents, Willie and Katie Lee; daughter, Charlesetta Sharif; husband, Cornelius Polk; siblings, Dolly Mae Carter, Isaac Lee, Roosevelt Lee, Ollie Mae Belcher, Lathie Lee, William Lee, M. J. Lee, Genola Brooks and Dorothy Corbin; grandchildren, Ahmad Franklin and Aminah Bashshar; great-grandchildren, Emanuel Porter, II and Takeila Settles.

Left to cherish her loving memories are her youngest daughter, Virginia Ruth Franklin of Jacksonville. Her legacy will continue to live on through her grandchildren, Ethan Porter (Mona), Cassandra Porter, Emmanuel Porter (Jermaine), Marcellius Edwards (Vivian), all of Jacksonville; Renee Sharif, Sakinah Sharif, Bashir Sharif, Waheed Sharif, Tajiddin Sharif, and Hassan Sharif all of Chicago, Illinois; great-grandchildren, Khalinah Springer (William Stacy), Clarence Settles, Jr., Shaniqua Jackson, Ahmad Miles Jr., Ross Dorsey, Tajiddin Miles, Patricia Roberts, Sharell Neeley (Justin), Tekia Porter all of Jacksonville,  Imanni Porter, Esq. of Washington, DC, Kenyetta Walker, Marshanda Walker, Iesha Porter, Miesha Porter, Jamal Porter, Stephan Porter, Starr Gertrude Edwards all of Jacksonville; sister, Marcella Sneed of Tacoma Washington; godson, Leon Gillyard (Brenda) of Jacksonville; and a host of loving great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends who will deeply miss her.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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