Polk, Annie 1936-2025 Raymore, Mo.

RAYMORE, Mo. – Annie “Jewel” Polk, age 89, of Raymore, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Dec. 16, 2025, at the Foxwood Springs Living Center.

A Celebration of Jewel’s life will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Southern Roots Event Center, 239 Illinois Ave., St. Joseph, MO 64504 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Jewel was born in Henderson, Texas, on July 8, 1936, the daughter of Walter F. Gray and Elener Wright. Jewel attended various schools in East Texas. Shortly after high school, Jewel met Erly B. Polk, and they were later married on June 22, 1958, in St. Joseph. Together, they were blessed with two wonderful sons, Erly D. and Reginald L.

In life Jewel worked a few different careers. She was the lead cook at the State Hospital, in St. Joseph, later the lead cook at the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department, in St. Joseph, and worked at and managed the well-known Four Aces Barbeque restaurant, in St. Joseph, owned by her and husband, Erly B., along with the help of their two sons for 25 years. Upon retiring in 2001, she and Erly moved back to Texas to care for her mother and father. They returned to Missouri in 2017 and made their home in Raymore, Missouri, to be closer to their sons.

Jewel was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Elener Gray; four sisters, infant Emma Gray, Frances Ross, Betty Johnson and Rose Gray.

She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Erly B. Polk; her two sons, Erly D. Polk and Reginald “Reggie” Polk (LaRae); two brothers, Dennis Gray and Lester Gray (Faye); two sisters, Nellie Wesley and Marcie Simmons (Tim); three grandchildren, Jerry Polk ( Missy) , Ashley Polk, and Erly “EJ” Polk; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org/ kansascity.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., Raymore, Missouri, 816.322.5278. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.