Juanita Polk

Mrs. Juanita Bennett Polk, 84, of Frog Hollow in Varnville, South Carolina, passed away early Monday morning, January 13, 2025, at her home after an extended illness. She was the widow of the late Elliott C. Polk.

Born in Hampton County on June 22, 1940, Mrs. Polk was the daughter of the late Cecil Marlowe Bennett Sr. and Theda Cook Bennett. She was born and raised in Varnville, with her three siblings in a rural home setting. Once finishing school, she married Elliott Polk and the two of them had two sons. Until the death of Elliott in 2014, Juanita was a devoted wife for 57 years. Juanita was a sales associate at several local stores including Revco Pharmacy, B.C. Moore, and finished up her working career at Piggly Wiggly. Once retired, she became a delightful homemaker, and dedicated grandmother to her grandchildren. She took pride in teaching them the same ways she was previously taught, whether it be cooking, caring for homely items, gardening, caring for farm animals, or canning seasonal foods. Undoubtedly, Juanita will be most remembered for her love of assuring all who sat around her table were fed and full! There wasn't a soul who left her home without a hearty meal, followed by a slice of homemade pound cake. As Elliott grew older and demanded more of her attentiveness, she became a dutiful caretaker while selflessly continuing to remain present for her extended family.

Mrs. Polk is survived by her son: Ronald Polk and wife Melissa of Hampton; grandchildren: Michael (Amber) Polk of Barnwell, and Brett Polk of Bluffton; great-grandchildren: Kipper, Kullen, and Kamrie Polk; sister: Geraldine White of Varnville; sisters-in-law: Joyce Bennett of Ehrhardt, and Grace Bennett of Varnville. She was pre-deceased by her husband Elliott Polk; one son: Larry Ray Polk; brothers: Cecil Bennett Jr., and Marvin Bennett.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Mrs. Polk's caregivers; Bessie Morris, Terry Jarrell, Ethel Ward, Sherry Daman, SC House Calls, and Gentiva Hospice.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 17, 2025, at 2:30 PM with visitation before the service from 1:00 PM – 2:20 PM at Spirit of Life Ministries Church in Varnville. Services will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Tommy Kelly and the Rev. David Schaffer. Graveside burial will follow at the Varnville Cemetery. Funeral services will be directed by Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers that memorials can be made to Spirit of Life Ministries Church, Varnville or Varnville First Baptist Church, Varnville.