Terri Polk

Terrell “Terri” Elizabeth Polk, a gorgeous, hilarious, charming, whip-smart, larger-than-life, spirited, force-of-nature, faithful, accomplished, and beloved daughter, sister, mother, and friend, tragically lost her life on March 18, 2022. While Terri’s joie de vivre for everything and everyone was unparalleled, nothing rose above the love she had for her son, Preston.

Her life’s journey of grace, joy, adventure, and success in all respects began the day of her birth on December 27, 1962 in Lake Charles, Louisiana to her inspirations and role models for life, John and Gayle Polk. A proud graduate of Lake Charles High School, Terri gave her all to her school in the classroom and as a member of the Kilties, the school marching group, and as the school mascot, the Wildcat; making life-long friendships which endure today. 

Upon graduation, Terri attended and graduated in1984 from her beloved Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a B.S. in Finance paving the way for her successful career on Wall Street. While at LSU, Terri became a member of the Phi Gamma Chapter of Chi Omega and cherished her memories and friendships made living in the Chi O house and spending time on “pebble beach.” Terri’s love of all things LSU was boundless. 

Graduation brought Terri to New York which she called home for over 35 years. She began her career as an Analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York where she completed training at the Federal Reserve System’s Bank Analysis and Examination School before rising to the position of Senior Trader. After leaving the Fed, she moved to Salomon Brothers where she attained the position of Senior Vice President. She then joined Merrill Lynch as a Managing Director. Her career concluded at HSBC where she was a Managing Director of Fixed Income Sales.  

Following her esteemed career on Wall Street, Terri then moved into what she knew was the most important time in her life as a mother to Preston – the joy of her life. From walking Crosby in Central Park and Preston to school to summers in Southampton, Saturdays in Tiger Stadium, and Sundays at the Superdome, Terri seamlessly merged their lives in New York to her love of Louisiana and her unending love of her son.

Terri was an active volunteer in New York City. She was a supporter of the Central Park Conservancy and served on the benefit committee of Parents in Action. She was a sustaining member of the New York Junior League, where she enjoyed regular games of Mah Jong with other Sustainers. Terri was legendary for her service to The Buckley School where her son attended Beginners through Eighth Grade. Her sweet manner and southern twang convinced many to get involved and support Buckley through the years; no one could say no to Terri. She took on the thankless job of running the Lost and Found, and as the fifth grade class representative Ms. Terri was a favorite among the Buckley boys.

When Preston moved to Woodberry Forest School, Terri focused on real estate – pursuing a license, splitting her time between New Orleans, Rosemary Beach, Florida, Aspen, and Southampton.

While not one to stay put, Terri spent a lifetime traveling and discovering new places. Terri’s journeys led to friendships in every walk of life and in every corner of the world.  Terri celebrated life, and her life will continue to be celebrated – by her wondrous family and her enormous family of friends. To anyone who ever met her – she was unforgettable. Mother, daughter, sister, and “bestie” to many, Terri lived life to the very fullest in every moment - a reminder to be welcoming and gracious to all, seize every moment, parade, gathering, second line, sunrise, and sunset.

Terri’s faith quietly guided her through life. She grew up in The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Charles, was a member of St. James’ Church in Manhattan, and attended Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans.

Terri was preceded in death by her beloved father, John Raymond Polk. She is survived by her son, John Preston Polk; her mother, Gayle Woods Polk; her sister, Marguerite Polk England, her husband Craig, and their children William and Elizabeth; and numerous cousins.

A service will take place on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. Terri will be inurned at The Episcopal Church of  the Good Shepherd in Lake Charles on Saturday, March 26 with a visitation to be held in the Parish Hall from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes Terri to be remembered with contributions to the Chi Omega Foundation for the Phi Gamma Housing Fund at LSU, The Good Shepherd Building Fund, The Trinity Church Capital Campaign, The Buckley School in memory of “Miss Terri,” Woodberry Forest School, or the charity of your choice.