Joan Brooker Pollard

Joan Brooker Pollard, 84, passed away unexpectedly on Monday January 4th. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Pollard, Sr. and her parents, Lofton and Argle Brooker. Joan was born in Asheville, NC. After graduating high school in Nebraska, she moved with her parents and sister to Hopewell, VA. She graduated from Longwood College and then taught at Walnut Hill Elementary School in Petersburg. During this time she met Bill and they married in 1962. In 1972 she started teaching at Bollingbrook School where she later became the librarian. In 1985 she was hired to be the medical librarian at Southside Regional Medical Center where she continued to work until her passing. She cherished the relationships with her students during her career and she always enjoyed hearing from her past students and co-workers. Joan was a member of the Petersburg Rotary Club and Petersburg Garden Club and she served as president for both organizations. She was a big fan of the UNC basketball teams as her father played basketball for the Tar Heels. She also rooted for VA Tech where her husband and sons graduated. Joan was a long-time and active member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. Most important to her were her two sons, her daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren. She is survived by her two sons, Bill “Bebo” Pollard (Lou); Tom Pollard (Susan); grandchildren Connor, Cassidy, and Betsy Pollard; and her sister Martha Watts. A family only graveside service was held at Blandford Cemetery. A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Mark’s UMC (PO Box 1905, Petersburg, VA 23805). The family is being served by the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .