André Cardell Polk, 71, was born on July 29, 1952, in Biloxi, MS to the late Willie and Ella Mae Polk. He was the fourth born of five children. André peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Ochsners' Foundation Hospital, in New Orleans, LA, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

André, also known as "Spud" by his close friends, grew up in Biloxi, MS, and attended A. E. Perkins Elementary School and M. F. Nichols High School. He was a graduate of the M. F. Nichols High School class of 1969 and served as class president. After High School, André attended Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, NE where he graduated in 1973 with a BS Degree in Sociology.

After college graduation, André was hired by Bowing Aircraft in Everette, WA as a Procurement Specialist. An avid entrepreneur, André went on to start Mr. Business Card, a successful printing company in downtown Omaha, NE.

André knew the Lord and as a child was baptized at New Bethel Baptist Church in Biloxi. Years later he became a deacon at Community Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City. After moving back to MS he attended Grace Truth Baptist Church.

André was a proud member of the Vernon Gilbert Elks Lodge #576 of Biloxi MS, where he served as a Trustee, Asst. Secretary and 2nd Lt. for Antler Guard.

André was preceded in death by his parents Willie and Ella Mae Polk, and brothers Gregory and Willie Polk, Jr.

To cherish his memories André leaves his wife Martha Jane Polk, daughter Angela Polk of Newark, NJ, bonus son Edward Parks of Houston, TX, brothers Kenneth Polk of Birmingham, AL, and Elton Polk of Biloxi, MS, his dear cousin Jennifer Pride-Hollis of Biloxi, MS and a host of other relatives and friends.