03/09/2026
Lyric Doi'Yell (Jenkins) Polanco
Lyric was born on January 14, 1996, to Africa Parker and Adrian Jenkins. She spent her formative years in Port Arthur, Texas, where she attended school from Pre-K through middle school. During that time Lyric began her spiritual journey at 9 years old at Rock Island Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Ransom E Howard where she was baptized and served proudly as an Junior Usher and youth Ministry. Even as a child, her servant’s heart and gentle spirit were evident to all who encountered her. She later attended West Brook High School in Beaumont, Texas, before graduating in 2014 from Moanalua High School in Honolulu, Hawaii. Lyric’s passion for caring for others led her to pursue a career in nursing. At the time of her passing, she was a dedicated nursing student at Sandhills Community College proudly in her third term of the Registered Nursing program. Her commitment to healthcare reflected her lifelong devotion to service, healing, and advocacy. Caring for others was not merely her career path; it was her calling. Lyric was actively involved in organizations devoted to positive change and community upliftment. Her participation in these initiatives was not simply extracurricular involvement — it was a reflection of her character. She believed wholeheartedly in helping others, sharing knowledge, spreading love, and standing firmly for what was right. Service was not something she did; it was who she was. In March 2007, Jay Ryan Nichols lovingly entered her life and embraced the role of father with unwavering devotion and pride. He cherished Lyric beyond measure, offering her unconditional love, guidance, wisdom, and the joyful spoiling only a devoted father can provide. The life lessons he instilled helped shape the confident, compassionate, and principled woman she became. On April 27, 2021, Lyric married the love of her life, Jorge Polanco, in North Carolina. Their union was marked by deep devotion, friendship, and enduring affection. She lovingly called him “Mon Chéri,” a reflection of the tenderness they shared. Together they built a life filled with laughter, perseverance, faith, and profound joy. Their beloved cats, Athena and Sputnik, were treasured members of their family. Lyric and Jorge’s marriage was a beautiful reflection of soulmate love — steadfast, gentle, and true. Lyric leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted husband, Jorge Polanco; her parents, Africa and Jay Nichols; her siblings, Jarian Jenkins, Lori Jenkins Tom (TyShawn), Robbie Wiltz, Adrienne Jenkins, ArDashia Bailey, and Adrian Bailey; her very special niece and goddaughter, Parker S. Nekol Tom; her grandparents, Patsy Benoit Arceneaux and Joseph Parker; her aunts, Shawn Hamilton (Trent) and Kim Keller; her uncles, Auburn Jenkins (Cabrina) and Matthew Nichols (Kelley); and her great-uncle, Mark Washington. Three special cousins (her first playmates) Derani Wiggins, Tarik Pitre and Jared Hamiliton, She also leaves her cherished Godmother, LaDonna Joubert; her Godsister, Kirsten Gordon Reese; her Auntie’s in love, Taronia Gardiner , Nikki Glass, Demetria Williams, Rosettea Acrond, Jessica Brown, Tania Richard, Satia LeDay, Patrice Martin, and Rebecca Kemper — along with a host of relatives, classmates, colleagues, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her kindness and grace. A very special acknowledgement to Dr, Jessica Respus (James) Lyric’s mentor. Her wisdom, encouragement, and steady guidance were a meaningful source of strength and inspiration in her life.
Though our hearts ache beyond words, we find comfort in knowing that Lyric’s love remains woven into our lives. Her laughter, wisdom, nurturing spirit, and radiant smile will continue to guide us. She taught us that love is active, that compassion is strength, and that even the gentlest soul can leave the deepest imprint on this world.
Lyric’s life, though far too brief, was profoundly meaningful. She was — and will always remain — our angel.
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