Barbara K. Polk

Memorial services for Barbara K. Polk, 87, of Lufkin will be held Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Lufkin with Pastor Walker McWilliams and Pastor Mark A. Newton officiating.

Barbara Kay Mankin Polk passed away peacefully at home Saturday, July 4, 2026. She was born May 6, 1939 in Camden, Arkansas, the second child and daughter of John Erwin and Chloe Mankin. After several moves during her early childhood, she grew up in Tyler, Texas, where she graduated from John Tyler High School. She later attended the University of North Texas, earning a degree in elementary education.

Barbara began her teaching career in Austin while pursuing her master’s degree at the University of Texas. During that time, she met C. Ray Polk, Sr., after offering to help clean his messy apartment. They became engaged in October 1964 while attending the Texas vs OU football game and were married January 2, 1965 at Marvin United Methodist Church in Tyler. The newlyweds moved to Lufkin where Barbara taught at Slack Elementary School.

Barbara’s love and dedication were quiet but deeply felt, and she faithfully shared her personal faith. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Lufkin for more than 55 years, serving in many roles including Chairwoman of the Altar Guild Committee, Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, Church Council, District Conference Delegate, and church library volunteer. Later, she and Ray joined First Baptist Church in Lufkin, where she continued her devoted service.

She was also actively involved in Kairos Ministry, Young Life, and Walk to Emmaus. Barbara was a member and past president of the Junior League of Lufkin and later a Sustainer. She served on the board of the Literacy Council of East Texas, was a founding board member of Hospice in the Pines, and helped support the establishment of the Susan Rutherford Mathis Cancer Resource Center. One of her most meaningful contributions - done quietly - was her instrumental role in founding the Power of Pink luncheon in memory of her dear friend, Jan Moore.

In later years, Barbara and Ray spent their summers in Sun Valley, Idaho, a place that brought them great joy. She loved hosting family and friends and formed many lasting friendships there, staying in touch with many of them until recent weeks.

Barbara faithfully supported Ray throughout his involvement in organizations such as the Texas Oil Marketers Association, the Petroleum Marketers Association of America, and the American Brahman Breeders Association. Along the way, she formed lifelong friendships. She had a gift for connecting with people everywhere she went - from department stores to grocery aisles - and touched countless lives. She especially loved writing notes and cards, which became her signature expression of care. Her love language was service, hospitality, and thoughtful words.

Her legacy is one of quiet generosity, steadfast faith, and unwavering devotion to her family - especially her beloved husband Ray, her son Carl Ray, and her daughter Paige - whom she supported with unconditional love.

Barbara’s comments following her breast cancer diagnosis in October 2015 best reflect her faith and the legacy she leaves behind: “I had so many friends praying for me every day. That’s what gets you through this”, Polk said. “I’m a firm believer in the power of prayer. I truly believe it was God’s plan to bring me through this. He has a plan for all of our lives. I believe that’s why I was able to come through it with such a good ending to my story.”

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Chloe and John E. Mankin; in-laws, Hazel and H.C. Polk, Jr.; sister and brother-in-law, Chloe Ann and Carol Jones; brother-in-law, Jerry Parr; and sister-in-law, Jan Polk Moore.

She is survived by her husband, Ray Polk; son, Carl Ray Polk, Jr. and wife Romy of Lufkin; daughter, Paige Carrigan and husband Royce of Kingwood; brother, Johnny Mankin and wife Patricia of Waco; sister-in-law, Margene Polk Parr of Houston; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara Lynn Polk and A.C. Rogers of San Antonio. Also her favorites, her grandchildren, Andrew and Stephanie Polk of Lufkin, Preston and Tess Polk of Fort Worth, Mary Grace Polk of Fort Worth, Royce F. Carrigan IV of Houston, Rube Carrigan of Nashville, Tennessee, and Maggie Carrigan of Fayetteville, Arkansas. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Parker James Polk, Scottie Sessions Polk, and Ray Clausen Polk; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers who cared for Barbara with respect and compassion over the past two years, as well as to Affinity Hospice and Dr. M. Hunt Huber.

Pallbearers are Robert Sanders, Joe E. Rich, Jr., Dr. Taylor McKewen, Kevin Smithhart, Trey Henderson, Tom Selman, Chris Prewitt, and David Moore.

Honorary pallbearers are Bob Brown, Newt Courtney, Bill Hanover, and Buford Abeldt.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Rube Sessions Memorial Library, P.O. Box 120, Wells, Texas 75976 or First Baptist Church Lufkin, 106 E Bremond Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75901.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.