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Polly White-Kirven

March 19, 2021
San Antonio, TX

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Polly A. White-Kirven passed away peacefully on Friday, March 19th, after a brief illness. Formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan Polly is survived by her loving husband, Malcom; children, Tashi (Kenyon), and Gordon, grandkids, TriNique, Jeremiah, Marchae, Jermaine, and Gordon Jr. She is also survived by her sister, Phyllis Dungey (Carleton) of Three Rivers, MI, and brothers, Clarence Jr. (Betty) of Three Rivers, MI, Thomas (Zelma) of Kalamazoo, MI, Ronald (Lisa) of Kalamazoo, MI, and David (April) of Indianapolis, IN, and host of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother LaRue, her father Clarence Sr., and her sister, Annette Perkins. Polly was born on January 24, 1940 in Clarendon, Arkansas to Clarence and LaRue White. After graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School, Polly continued her education graduating from the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff with honors in Social Work. She continued her education and received her Master's degree in Social from Our Lady of the Lake University. Polly married her college sweetheart, Malcom on August 6, 1966. The two moved to San Antonio, and she began working as a social worker at the Good Samaritan Center. Polly reveled in her social work duties for several decades. She retired from the Family Services Association in 2008. During her time as a social worker, she mentored several junior social workers throughout the San Antonio area. Though her career was fulfilling, her true love were her children and family. Malcolm and Polly excitedly welcomed the arrival of their two children, Tashi and Gordon into their lives. The couple always stressed the importance of family, education, and living for the Lord. They knew this was the true key to happiness and fulfillment. Her children remember her as a kind, gentle, patient, selfless, and a genuinely loving mother, who constantly encouraged them to pursue their goals. Polly was an accomplished tennis player, and a tennis referee / umpire. She played with the Woodlake Tennis Association, where she won numerous tournaments. As a tennis referee/umpire she worked on local high school matches, NCAA collegiate matches, and the U. S. Open. Polly was passionate about improving her community by giving back through her church and sorority. She was an active and dedicated member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church for several decades, and served as a Lay Reader, Altar Guild, and a member of the Women of St. Philip's Church. She was also on the Board of Directors of San Antonio Fighting Back as well as a member of the local chapter of the 100 Black Women. Polly was also dedicated to her Sorority - Delta Sigma Theta. She was an extremely active member of Delta. She served as the Chapter President, Chairperson of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, and a member of the Social Action Membership and Scholarship and Service. She won the San Antonio Alumnae's Delta Woman of the Year Award. Polly's Visitation was held on Friday, March 26th from 5pm to 7pm at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 1310 Pecan Valley, San Antonio, Texas 78220. Her celebration of life was Saturday, March 27th at 10am at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 1310 Pecan Valley, San Antonio, Texas 78220. Rev. Mikel Brighton officiated the ceremony. For those unable to attend Polly's Celebration of Life, her services will be live streamed thru https://www.facebook.com/Lewis-Funeral-Home-Stream-Page-113533153744786. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/PollyKirven. The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Fisher, Oncologist; Dr. Leo Edwards (primary care physician); and Beacon Hospice, especially her RN, Delfina and CNA, Maria for their efforts, care, and dedication.