Rosie Sullivan Thornburg

Bartow - Rosie Sullivan Thornburg's journey through life came to a peaceful end at the age of 92, Monday, September 1, 2025. She was born February 2, 1933 in Bartow, FL to Jesse & Gracie Sullivan. Rosie was a Insurance Agent for Polk-Murphy Insurance Agency in Bartow. She was a member of the Bartow Church of the Nazarene. Rosie was a 50+ year member of the Eastern Star, Tropical Chapter #38, she was the Past President of the Bartow Chamber of Commerce, Past Bartow City Commissioner (2004 - 2007), Past Mayor for the City of Bartow (2007) and she was named Volunteer of the Year (1985) United Way of Centeral Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Billy G. Polk, Sr., second husband Max Thornburg, two sisters Geneva Adler and Myrtle Williams. Rosie is survived by her son B. Gordon Polk, Jr. & wife Marsha of Bartow, daughter Sharon Lane & husband George of Bartow, three grandchildren Frank Lovelace, Denise Leeson & husband Michael and Danny Lane & wife Anna Maria, five great grandchildren and many nieces & nephews. Family will receive friends from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Sunday, September 7, 2025 at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10:00 am Monday, September 8, 2025 at at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. Entombment will be at Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow, FL. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com