Ocelia Hogan Pollard, formerly of Vinton, entered her Heavenly home on April 30, 2023, at Our Lady of the Valley Rehab Center, Roanoke. She was predeceased by her husband of 74 years,  Hildrey H. Pollard, and her parents, Elmer B. Hogan and Bertha McGhee Hogan, of Roanoke; siblings: Shirley Hogan Robertson (James, decd.) and George E. Hogan (Dorothy, decd.), all of Roanoke.

Mrs. Pollard was born on March 22, 1926, in Roanoke, VA. A member of Waverly Place Baptist Church since age 3, Mrs. Pollard accepted Christ at age 12 and was a Sunday School teacher at age 18. Her first love was working with the youth of her church. She also had a passion for missions and was an active member of the church’s WMU until her health failed. Her desire was that people—locally and worldwide—would accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

A long-time resident of Vinton, Mrs. Pollard held various offices in the Vinton area schools’ PTA. She was named Vinton Mother of the Year in Civic Activities in 1980. She retired from Holdren’s Inc. with over twenty years service.

Left to cherish her memory are her two children, Thomas G. Pollard and daughter-in-law, Kathy of Opelika, AL, and Carolyn Pollard Philpott and son-in-law, Tom of Vinton. Survivors also include three grandsons, Phillip Pollard and great-grandson, Mason of Auburn, AL; Eric Pollard and wife, Brittany, and twin great-grandchildren, Parker and Kinsley of Helena, AL; and Mark Pollard of Houston, TX.

Surviving are a step-granddaughter, Patricia Philpott Williams and husband, Mike, of Blacksburg, VA, and three step great-granddaughters, Lauren W. Mehfoud (Greg) of Crozet, VA; Mackenzie Williams of New York City; Abby Williams of Arlington, VA; sister-in-law, Nellie Pollard Henry, Bedford, and two brothers-in-law, Carl Price Pollard, Roanoke, formerly of Salem, and John Garland Pollard, of Roanoke; sister-in-law, Annie St. Clair Pollard, Bedford County. Mrs. Pollard leaves many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families, plus numerous beloved friends.

A special thank you to Our Lady of the Valley for Mrs. Pollard’s excellent care in Assisted Living for over 7 years and recently in the Rehab Center. Also, thank you to Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care of Mrs. Pollard in her final days.

A graveside service will be conducted Friday, May 5, 2023 at 1 p.m. in the Christus Garden at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Roanoke, with Dr. E. Wayne Sellers officiating. In the event of rain, services will be held in the mausoleum at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. Mrs. Pollard is entrusted to Oakey’s Vinton Chapel.