Riley "Sissy" Claire Polk

Sissy was born in Greenwood, SC on February 22, 1940 to Thomas Riley Langley and Clara Bell Johnson Langley. She was the middle of three children- predeceased by her brother Kent Langley and survived by her older brother Joe Langley. Sissy was married to Gene Polk for 59 years prior to his death in 2021 and had three children: Kristy Polk, Jeana Blair and Riley Polk. She was the grandmother to seven grandchildren: Dr. Shuler Polk (Jane), Isaac Rago, Dr. Avram Rago, Hinton Rago, Carson Martin (Taylor), Madelyn Polk, and Elsa Blair. Sissy had one great-grandson Laz Martin with a great-granddaughter due in March.

Sissy was a graduate of Lander University and earned a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from USC. She was a retired kindergarten teacher in Richland County School District One. She would always have dinner ready and on the table at 5pm and her brownies were famous… don’t forget to add the coconut! She was a talented seamstress, always making hand-made mementos for her family. She made clothes for her kids as long as they would allow until the girls begged her to make their wedding dresses. She cherished her friendships deeply. She was in the same exclusive circle for over 50 years at Northeast Presbyterian Church. They were all very loyal friends. Gene and Sissy were founding members of NEPC. They also enjoyed traveling, square dancing, and camping with family and friends. Gene and Sissy were very devoted grandparents, always making an effort to be a part of their grandchildren’s lives- from school events to holidays they made sure to be involved. Sissy enjoyed passing her love of sewing down to some of her grandchildren and spent many hours teaching her granddaughters.

A visitation and graveside service to honor and celebrate Sissy’s life will be held Friday morning, February 10th, at 11:00 a.m. at Northeast Presbyterian Church, with the service to follow.