Carolyn Lindsey Polk

Carolyn Lindsey Polk

Oct 28, 1959 - Dec 10th, 2020
  • Birth Date: Oct 28, 1959
  • Death Date: Dec 10, 2020
  • Funeral Date: Unknown
  • Location:
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Biography: Carolyn Lindsey Polk, age 61, passed away suddenly and too soon on Thursday, December 10, 2020. She was born October 28, 1959 in Springdale, Arkansas, to the late Peggy Gordon Lindsey and Charles Warren Lindsey. She is also predeceased by her husband, Tommy Polk, and her sister, Mendy Emmerling.
 
Carolyn is survived by her cherished daughter, Madeleine Rae Polk and Maddie’s significant other, Alex Storm and his family. Also survived by her brother Gordon Lindsey and his family, brother-in-law and nephew Mark and Chris Emmerling, aunt Pat Gordon and her partner Betty Robinson, dear friend Tim Herndon, James Townes, and beloved spoiled dog Finley. Special thanks to James for all his care and love throughout the years to Tommy, Carolyn, and Maddie.
 
Carolyn attended the University of Arkansas, graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Architecture from the Fay Jones School of Architecture. She was valedictorian of her class. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and remained involved through alumnae activities. Carolyn and Tommy shared a devotion to the University of Arkansas and were instrumental in raising money through the University of Arkansas Campaign for the 21st Century.
 
After graduation, Carolyn worked in San Antonio, Texas, and Nantucket, Massachusetts. She established her career in Little Rock working at the firm that became Polk Stanley Wilcox. She left Polk Stanley to work with Ellen Yeary and, along with Jim Yeary, founded Yeary Lindsey Architects where she worked until her death. Carolyn was a highly respected and sought after residential architect and her work is found throughout Arkansas. She was a member and past convention chair of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Until recently, she served on the Board of Adjustment for the City of Little Rock.
 
Carolyn was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Little Rock and a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, serving on various building committees. She loved her book club, Enneagram Group (a classic 2) and her Riviera Condo pals.
 
Carolyn had a kind spirit and infectious sense of humor. She loved her family and friends who loved her back. We miss her terribly.
 
There will be a private memorial service.  Video and streaming of the service will be available through the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Little Rock Facebook page.
 
Memorials may be made to the Tommy Ray Polk Endowment for Design Excellence and Professional Advancement and mailed to Mary Purvis, Senior Director of Development, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, 120 Vol Walker Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, RuebelFuneralHome.com

Condolences(20)
Liz Lester
#20
Dec 31st, 2020 6:38 pm
I was in school with Carolyn from kindergarten through high school and though I hadn’t seen her since then, I have strong memories of the smart, kind person she was. I send all my good wishes to her family—she is gone too soon.
Frank Riggins
#19
Dec 14th, 2020 1:27 pm
I was truly saddened to hear of Carolyn's passing. I always considered her a friend and enjoyed and appreciated working with her. She will be missed and I send my sincerest condolences to her family.
John Haman
#18
Dec 14th, 2020 12:04 pm
Carolyn was one of my favorite people to work with, and one of the most family -devoted people I have met. I watched her face various challenges in the last 17 years or so and meet all of them with poise, bravery and love. Maddie, I never had the chance to meet you, but I know your mother loved you deeply from both her words and actions. Peace to you. Carolyn was love.
Wesley Garrett
#17
Dec 14th, 2020 10:16 am
The Garrett family wants to extend our thoughts and prayers to the entire Polk family. I first met Carolyn while working with Bill Wiedower and Market Row Architects; she and Ellen shared the space. She brightened the office with her mere presence; she will be missed.
Amber Bright White
#16
Dec 14th, 2020 9:15 am
Maddie,
My heart is so sad for you, although I know Carolyn is now with our LORD, your dad and the many others she loved, who before her, left this Earth.
Carolyn and I were in the same KKG pledge class and seemed closer our Senior year. I always admired her wit and brains! What a distinguished graduate of the U of A & the Architecture School.
I was thrilled to see her at a KKG Alumni meeting a few years ago when I was home. We talked as if we had seen each other everyday since graduation!
She told me all about her precious Maddie. We then became social media friends and occasionally chatted on those sites.
Please know my KKG sisterhood with Carolyn will always be a bond, as if will for others in our pledge class. I am (we are) here if or when you need a shoulder to cry on or some ole’ Kappa girls to laugh with as we tell you stories about our college days with your Mom.
May God be with you & your family today, tomorrow and forever,
Amber Bright White
Kemah/League City, Texas
Sylvia Blackwell
#15
Dec 13th, 2020 10:43 pm
This grieves my heart. I was in Enneagram with Carolyn and just knew her 3 months. Just a wonderful person.
Lindsay Ward
#14
Dec 13th, 2020 8:59 pm
Maddy, i am so sorry to hear about your mom. Love and prayers to you.
ken kenning
#13
Dec 13th, 2020 3:36 pm
Will miss her truly, always talked to her daily after she walked finley.
Amy Hester
#12
Dec 13th, 2020 2:44 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Carolyn was the coolest and kindest human. The world has lost a special person. I will hope and pray for Maddie . ❤️❤️❤️
Marsha Allbritton
#11
Dec 13th, 2020 2:30 pm
Maddie,
I am so sad to hear of your sweet mom's passing. I am a Kappa and we worked together on the LR KKG Literacy Luncheon for 3 years. She was so kind, talented and a dedicated friend. I so enjoyed getting to know her. She will be missed by many. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Your mother spoke of you often. She loved you very, very much and was very proud of you.
Marsha Allbritton
Chris Edwards
#10
Dec 13th, 2020 1:19 pm
I learned so much working with her. Thoughts and Prayers with Maddie, Family, Ellen and Jim.
Gayle Goodwin
#9
Dec 13th, 2020 12:40 pm
Carolyn was a beautiful, gentle person. I enjoyed the time spent at Tommies’s with our dancing girls. Our prayers go out to Maddie at this difficult time. RIP sweet Carolyn.
Susan Boe
#8
Dec 13th, 2020 10:40 am
Dear sweet Maddie, Your Momma was one of my favorite people in the whole world. She was also often my hero and a calming influence on matters of our house re-dos through many many years. We are holding you tight and sending tons of love. The Boe Girls
Peter MacKeith
#7
Dec 13th, 2020 10:34 am
The Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design extends its condolences and sympathies to Madeleine Polk, to the Lindsey family and extended family, and to the larger community of Carolyn Polk’s colleagues and friends in Little Rock and across the state. Carolyn was a devoted alumna of the School, a talented architect and an accomplished practitioner. We mourn the too-sudden loss of her warmth, humor, intelligence and grace. Our sorrow is tempered only by the knowledge of the strength and care Carolyn provided to her family and friends and by the creative contributions she made to others’ lives through her work in architecture. Again, the School community sends its sympathies and support. / Peter MacKeith, Dean and Professor
Donnie Brooks
#6
Dec 13th, 2020 9:41 am
My heart is broken hearing of Carolyn's passing. She was always so easy to work with and such a joy to talk to. She will definitely be missed by all.
Rev. Betsy Singleton Snyder
#5
Dec 13th, 2020 9:18 am
Maddie and family, I am so sorry to hear of Carolyn’s untimely death. She was a lovely person, inside and out. She adored her husband and daughter. ❤️
Andy O'Mara
#4
Dec 13th, 2020 5:28 am
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Carolyn’s family and friends. I graduated high school with Carolyn and am dearly saddened by her passing.
Rhonda McKinnis
#3
Dec 12th, 2020 10:11 pm
Maddie, you are in mine and Mattie’s hearts and prayers. Your mom was such an incredible person, a powerhouse, brilliant architect, and a dear friend. Please take care of you, sweet girl.
Jackie Jernigan
#2
Dec 12th, 2020 9:06 pm
Rest in peace and love dear, true Friend. You leave thousands of memories with me. You will be deeply missed.
Jim Guy Tucker
#1
Dec 12th, 2020 5:15 pm
Betty and I send our deep prayers and condolences. Tommy and I grew up together and played ball togather.
I am very sorry to hear of Carloyn's death.
JIm Guy

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