Gearleen Brown Pollard, age 86 of Crumpler, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Margate Health & Rehab Center. Born in Ashe County to the late Willie Bruce and Eula Adeline Jones Brown, Gearleen lived a life centered around her faith, family, and caring for others. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Woodrow Pollard; three brothers, Millard, Carlton, and Kenneth Brown; one sister, Louise Jones; and a son-in-law, Jerry Long.

A faithful and devoted member of New River Baptist Church, Gearleen loved the Lord with all her heart and faithfully supported her church throughout her life. She spent many years teaching Sunday school and volunteering with Vacation Bible School, touching countless young lives with her kindness, patience, and gentle spirit. Her faith guided the way she lived each day and the way she cared for everyone around her.

Gearleen was known for her hardworking nature and servant’s heart. She worked for many years as a teacher’s aide at Healing Springs Elementary School, later served as a CNA with Generations Ashe, and eventually worked alongside her family at Pollard Glass. No matter where she worked, she always treated others with compassion and kindness.

At home, Gearleen found joy in the simple blessings of life. She loved gardening and could often be found tending to her flowers and vegetables before canning anything she could from the garden. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed quilting and crocheting, creating many treasured items for those she loved. Above all else, she cherished her family. Her grandchildren brought her endless happiness, and she delighted in spending time with them — whether it was cheering them on, playing basketball, or even bouncing alongside them on the trampoline. She also lovingly cared for many family members through the years, always willing to put the needs of others before her own.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Duane Pollard and wife Donna of Crumpler; daughter, Vada Long of Greensboro; son, John Pollard of Wilmington; sisters, Gladys Austin of Grassy Creek, Alma Beane of Winston-Salem, and Janet Childers of Elloree, SC; special family friend, David Whitney; nine grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.

Per Gearleen’s request, no public services will be held. A private family service will be held at a later time.

The family respectfully request no flowers please, memorials may be made to, Gideon’s International, PO Box 993, West Jefferson, NC 28694, New River Cemetery Fund, or Chestnut Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, c/o Jennifer Ashley, 969 Willie Brown Road, Crumpler, NC 28617.

Gearleen will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her loving and giving heart, and the countless ways she cared for her family, church, and community. Her legacy of love and devotion will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.