Martha Kay Norman Polk

Martha Kay Norman Polk, 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026, after a courageous five-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was born on December 11, 1946, in Troy, Alabama, to Thomas Littleton Norman and Delaurice Bozeman Norman.

Martha grew up in Camden, Alabama where she was honored as Homecoming Queen in 1964 and graduated from Wilcox County High School in 1965. She went on to earn her nursing degree from Providence School of Nursing in Mobile, Alabama, where her talents shined both in the classroom and in the lively moments, she shared shooting pool and playing cards with the nuns.

On April 19, 1969, Martha married her high school sweetheart, James Arvin Polk, at Camden Baptist Church. During Jim’s service in the United States Air Force, the couple lived in several locations before settling in Houston, Texas, where they raised their two children, Beth and Frank.

A dedicated registered nurse for more than 50 years, Martha spent over 35 years serving in the Med-Surg unit at Cypress Fairbanks, she was a mentor to many and was lovingly called “Mama Martha.” Her compassion extended far beyond her profession. She welcomed family, friends, and anyone in need with a warm meal, a place to stay, or a caring conversation. Her selflessness and generosity were hallmarks of her life.

Martha cherished time with her grandchildren, attending countless sporting events and joining family vacations. She found joy in gardening, working in her yard, cooking for large gatherings, especially during the holidays, and helping raise her grandchildren. She was a servant at heart and a blessing to all who knew her.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, James Arvin Polk; her parents, Thomas and Delaurice Norman; her brothers, David and Tom Norman; her brothers-in-law, Leigh Collins and Roy Robson; and her in-laws, Ottis and Edwina Polk.

She is survived by her daughter, Beth Johnson, and husband Gregg; her son, Frank Polk, and wife Cristina; and her six beloved grandchildren: Katelyn Johnson, Morgan Johnson, Taylor Johnson, Lillian Polk, Riley Polk, and Caden Polk. She is also survived by her sisters Lynn Upchurch, Anita Coley, and Lane Collins; her aunt Forest Lane Dickey; sisters-in-law Nelda Norman, Frances Milikin, and Cindy Polk; brothers-in-law Sam Polk and Lindsay Milikin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Martha’s life was defined by devotion, kindness, and unwavering love for her family and community. Her legacy of service and compassion will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation for Martha Polk will be held at Camden Baptist Church, 300 Broad St Camden, AL 36726, on Friday, January 30, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., and friends are invited to join the family for the burial at Greenwood Cemetery.

Flowers are greatly accepted and may be ordered through Albritton’s Florist at 334-682-4018.