Alfreda Thomas Polk was born on August 31, 1955 to Alfred Scott and Gladys Bland at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. Early in her childhood, she went to live with her grandmother, Pearl Shavers White, affectionately known as "Dear," in the family home on North 24th Street in Baton Rouge. There she grew up in a loving home alongside her great-aunt, Lula Mae Shavers Williams and cousins Patricia Jordan Tyson and Robert Walker, who were like siblings to her.

Alfreda attended Park Elementary School and graduated from Glen Oaks High School in 1973. At the age of 18, she was adopted by Hattie Marie Thomas, who loved her as her own and was a steady source of guidance and support as Alfreda grew into a young woman. She went on to attend Southern University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1977.

Alfreda was once married to Earl Quiett, and to that union two children were born, Robbin Lynette Quiett and Jason Cardell Quiett. On August 22, 2005 she married Darold Polk. Together they built a joyous and happy life, enjoying gatherings and trips with friends and family, especially their children.

Alfreda devoted her career to teaching young learners. She began her teaching career in Houma, Louisiana before returning to Baton Rouge and joining East Baton Rouge Parish School System. She taught first grade at Greenbrier Elementary and Buchanan Elementary. She retired from the East Baton Rouge Parish School System and continued as a Special Education teacher for many years after. Afreda was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Scott and Gladys Bland; her siblings, Cardell “Skippy” Bland and Debbie Bland; her adoptive mother, Hattie Marie Thomas; her cousins Patricia Jordan Tyson and Robert Walker, and other cherished loved ones who have joined the eternal family of God.

She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Darold Polk; daughter, Robbin Quiett; son, Jason Quiett; stepchildren Savlyia Polk Warren, Taralyn Feltus Snah, and Darold L. Polk; godson Malik Walker; cousins Jonathan White, Sean White, Gerald Walker, Anita Walker, and a host of relatives and friends.