Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, in Madison, for Mr. Derek DeVonne Polk, 54, who died Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at his residence in Flora.

Rev. Matthew Canada officiated with interment following in Griffth Cemetery in Prentiss. 

Johnson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Derek Polk was born in Prentiss, to the late Wyvonne and Mrs. Louise Polk. He was the youngest of four siblings.

He joined Prentiss First Missionary Baptist Church.

Mr. Polk graduated from Prentiss High School in 1987.

He enlisted in the United States Army and served two years and additional seven years in the Army Reserve. During this time, he graduated from Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering at  Mississippi State University and Master’s in Business Administration from Belhaven University.

Shortly thereafter, he married his high school sweetheart and moved the family to Greenville.

The family resided in Greenville for seven years where he worked at Marconi communications as the Engineering Manager.

Derek started his 20-year career with Nissan North America in 2002 and moved to Madison. There he served as the Director of Engineering, Maintenance, Body and Stamping and Manager in Trim and Chassis.

His current position was Director of Operations-Plant/Fascia. He was dedicated to Nissan and very supportive of his staff. 

Mr. Polk was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.

He was an avid hunter, fisher, sports fanatic, grill-master, and he loved doing yardwork. He was a die hard Steelers fan and Jackson State University Tiger Fan.

He is survived by hiswife, Dr. Latonya Polk of Flora; son, TiShawn (Christyn Polk), grandchildren, Shiloh and Phoenix Polk of Gilbert, Arizona; mother, Louise Polk of Prentiss; sisters, Arnetra Polk of Prentiss; Cynthia Hedgemon of McCalla, Alabama and Ewonia Polk of Dallas, Texas; brother, Ronald (Cathy) Taylor of Prentiss and many other relatives and friends.