LORENE "Callie" (CROWDER) POLK

March 16, 1918 ~ December 29, 2016 (age 98)

On December 29, 2016 at approximately 9:35 am; God dispatched an angel to Pine Meadows Center in Bolivar, TN, putting his arms around Octavia Lorene, separating her Soul from an ailing body and carried her to a place of Rest. She was the eleventh child of fourteen children born to the late Amos Walter and Lina Beard Crowder. All of Octavia Lorene’s siblings preceded her in death.

Her funeral service was held on Saturday January 7, 2017 at 11:00 am at Greater Springfield MB Church in Bolivar with Elder Johnnie C. Nelson in charge.  Burial was in the Bolivar Community Cemetery in Bolivar, Tn and Dixie Funeral Home www.dixiefuneralhome.com was in charge of the professional service.

“Callie” which she was affectionally called by family and friends, raised in Hardeman County, TN; her basic education was acquired at Bolivar Industrial High School. She became a professional seamstress and hat maker. She loved hats and clothes and enjoyed teaching her nieces and great nieces how to sew.

At an early age, Callie professed hope in Christ and joined Springfield MB church of Bolivar, TN.

In 1938, at the age of twenty, Octavia Lorene, became the wife of Mr. OB Polk. To this union a daughter was born, Mary Lina Polk.

Callie’s daughter, Mary, who was living in Los Angeles, California, became ill so Callie moved there to care for her. Callie’s husband, O B and her daughter, Mary Lina, preceded her in death, two grandchildren; Anna Hawkins and Tony Hawkins also preceded her in death.

Callie later returned to Tennessee in 1976 at which time, she united with Campbell MB Church where her siblings worshipped, under the leadership of Reverend Jesse E. Williams. She also joined the Eastern Star, Chapter 222 of Whiteville, Tn.  Later years, Mother Polk united with Old Bethel MB Church under the leadership of Reverend Tommy Flemming and remained a faithful member until physical challenges made it impossible for her to attend the services, but she continued to support her church in prayer and finance.

Grandma, Aunt Callie, Mother Polk, departed this life leaving many fond memories for be cherished by her grandson, Clifford R. (Therese) Hawkins; two great-grandson: Dezon Ozell Johnson and Esstavaugh Hawkins, and a host of nephews, nieces, and other relatives and her church family who loved her. 

 Service Information