Barbara Constance Polk-Brown

On August 25, 1924, Barbara Constance Polk was born to William and Patti Polk in Swarthmore Pennsylvania . Barbara attended and graduated from Swarthmore High School where she played hockey on both the junior varsity and varsity girls’ teams. She was also an avid reader. During her teen and young adult years, Barbara loved to jitterbug and go to shows in Philadelphia which featured the Big Band music of Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Jr. and Harry James. She also enjoyed the musical of Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra. She was a stylish dresser well into her middle 80s. On December 22, 1942, she married Walter Brown. Four children, Karen, Walter, Jr. and twins Joan and Jean were born to Barbara and Walter. Walter and Barbara divorced in 1969. Although she never realized a personal dream of attending college, Barbara proudly watched her children Karen, Walt, Joan and Jean graduate from exceptional colleges. During her young adult years, Barbara was a member of the Junior NAACP in Swarthmore. In 1965, the Media NAACP branch recommended her to Allied Chemical Corporation in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania as the applicant to meet the requirement to integrate the administrative professional staff at the company. Barbara worked there for 23 years and received 8 promotions before she retired. Barbara publicly declared faith in Jesus Christ at the age of 13 at her mother Patti’s church in Morton , Pennsylvania . But her faith was forged in the fires of the many hardships and difficulties she persevered through with God as her anchor. Barbara ended her pilgrimage at 2:20 pm and went peacefully to her eternal home in heaven on May 21, 2013 while hearing the singing of her favorite hymns, Scripture readings and receiving the loving ministrations of her daughter Karen, grand-daughter Leah and son in-law Alonzo. Barbara was always a lady, and was gracious and never grouchy despite the challenges of her illness and age. She always had a “Hello, Darling”, a “please” and a “thank you” for everyone with who she came in contact. She will be remembered by her children, her sister Mary Elizabeth; daughter in-law Sharon ; son in-laws Alonzo and Steven; grandchildren Jeffrey, Terrence, Leah, Sonya, Marci, Leslie and Shari ; 10 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service for Mrs. Brown will be held on Saturday, June 22 at 4 pm at Alexander Funeral Home, 1424 Statesville Ave., Charlotte .