Jerry Talbert

Dolores Jeraline “Jerry” Polk Talbert was a devoted wife, mother, and nurse. She lived her 95 years in serving others with great compassion and love. Her family and friends remember her as a talented, caring woman who always had time for others.

She was born in Charlotte, NC in 1929 to William James Polk and Sarah Grace Helms Polk. She attended Central High School in Charlotte and graduated with a BS degree in the School of Nursing from Queens College and Presbyterian Hospital.

She grew up in Charlotte, NC with her 4 siblings, Harold Polk, Barbara Polk, Nancy Polk Crisp and Linda Polk Heath.

In 1952, she married the love of her life, Earl Donald Talbert. They were married for 71 wonderful years. Earl passed away in January, 2024. She is survived by her children, Michael Wayne Talbert (Debbie), Grace Elaine Talbert Hasty (Lanny), and Leslie Anne Talbert Pollard. Jerry was adored by 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Jerry can be remembered for so many things. She dutifully cared for all of her patients as a Registered Nurse, where she was honored on two occasions with the General Excellence Award for nursing. She also received the Outstanding Employee and Nursing Excellence award from Charlotte Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital. She was regularly called out by her patients as a loving and caring nurse who always made sure her patients had everything they needed. She retired from nursing in 1994 as an RN at Presbyterian Specialty Hospital.

Jerry was deeply involved in her church and was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. She also volunteered in the Girl Scout Program as an organizer and supporter.

She had a tremendous love of gardening and was regularly given Yard of the Month in her long-time neighborhood of Woodberry Forest. She found peace and fulfillment working with her flowers and plants and knew all of the little tricks to help them grow lush and beautiful. She served on the neighborhood garden club for many years.

She also had great creativity and had her own craft business. With the help of her husband, she made so many wonderful craft items and was always generous in giving those to ones she loved. She volunteered at the Matthews Help Center for many years as well.

The joy of her life was her family. She was dedicated to supporting and nurturing her husband for 71 years and she always made sure that her children had everything they needed and wanted. She was a role model of compassion and strength. She also loved her many pets and treated them as family. Among her family and friends, her claim to fame was the greeting cards. She would never miss a birthday, anniversary or special occasion. And she always included a little treat for her kids, her grand kids and her great grand kids in every card.

Her memory will be cherished for generations and that is the best testament for a life well lived.

Services will be held in the chapel at McEwen Funeral Services, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212 on Thursday, June 27. The family will greet friends at 11:00 and the funeral service will begin at 12:00 PM. A reception will be held following the funeral at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity would be greatly appreciated.