Patricia Ann Polk, 70, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026.

Born on May 24, 1956 in Flint Michigan, Patricia lived a life defined by compassion, resilience, generosity, and unwavering love for others. She was the kind of woman who would gladly give someone the shirt off her back without expecting anything in return. Her warm heart, infectious laugh, quick sense of humor, honesty, and genuine kindness touched countless lives and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Patricia was hardworking, dependable, and took pride in everything she did. More importantly, she built lasting friendships everywhere she went because of the way she treated people.

Outside of work, Patricia found joy in life’s simple blessings. She loved listening to music, dancing, caring for her flowers, cooking meals that brought family and friends together and surrounding herself with bright, cheerful colors. Above all, she treasured spending time with the people she loved. Zinnias were among her favorite flowers, perfectly reflecting the vibrant spirit she carried throughout her life. Her greatest joy was being with her family, especially her granddaughter Zoey, who brought pride and happiness to her life.

In July 2021, Patricia was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. She faced every challenge with remarkable courage, enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy while continuing to live with grace, determination, and hope. In January 2025, she was diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease, a form of cancer affecting the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Yet she continued to fight with incredible strength until the very end. Even through life’s hardest moments, Patricia remained more concerned about the people she loved than herself.

Patricia is survived by her loving daughters, Tynisha Echols (Paris Echols) and Erica Polk; her treasured granddaughter, Zoey Echols; her mother, Doris Nichols; her brothers, Marvin Jones and Marcus Vinson; along with many extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were forever touched by her kindness.

She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Scott Jones, and her sisters, Sue Montgomery and Edwina Jones.

Patricia’s greatest accomplishment was not found in her possessions, but in the love she poured into others. She raised her daughters with strength, resilience, compassion, and determination. Her family finds comfort in knowing that the strength she carried throughout her life continues to live on in them. The love, courage, and kindness she shared will continue to guide those who knew and loved her.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers of Faith Hospice and Edison Christian Health Center for the dignity, comfort, kindness, and exceptional care they provided during Patricia’s final days. Their compassion brought peace not only to Patricia, but also to those who loved her most.

Patricia will be remembered not only for the strength with which she faced life’s greatest challenges, but also for her generous heart, contagious laughter, unwavering resilience, and the genuine love she showed to everyone she met. Her legacy is one of kindness, perseverance, and selfless love. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit continues to bloom in the hearts of those she loved, just like the vibrant zinnias she adored.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages others to honor Patricia’s memory by sharing a meal with loved ones, planting something beautiful, extending kindness to a stranger, or simply making time for the people who matter most. There is no greater tribute to her life than continuing the love she so freely gave.

Forever loved.

Forever remembered.

Forever missed.