NOKOMIS O.P. POLLARD

Mrs. Nokomis Onezima Paige Pollard, formerly of Ettrick, currently residing in Virginia Beach, departed this life on Tuesday, August 11, 2015, in Virginia Beach.
Nokomis was born in Norfolk, Virginia. She was raised by her grandparents, Richard Gault Leslie Paige and Marcella Paige. Nokomis was a product of the Norfolk Public School system, graduating from the historic Booker T. Washington High School, class of 1952.
Nokomis furthered her education at Norfolk State University (Little State) and graduated from Virginia State University (Big State) in Petersburg Virginia in 1956, with a degree in Elementary Education.
She was married to Arthur Shaw of Richmond, Va., who died a few years after they were married. She soon after met and married the Reverend Lawrence D. Pollard Jr. They were married for 51 years.
Nokomis worked in the Emporia, Va., Richmond, Va., Columbus, Ohio, Chillicothe, Ohio, Dinwiddie County, Va., and Petersburg, Va., school systems, teaching kindergarten through fifth grade classes. She retired from the Petersburg Public School system in 1997.
Nokomis loved helping people. She would use her house as a gathering place for clothing to give to those in need. She also loved to have fun. She loved participating in activities such as bowling, playing cards, cruises, bingo, chartered bus trips and dancing. Joke telling was also one of the things she was known for. This earned her the label of Ecclesiastical Jester by her pastor. She was also an active member of her high school alumni organization.
As most of us know, Nokomis loved to eat and her favorite food was seafood. She really appreciated a good crab fest.
She is also preceded in death by her brother, Vichaux Carter (Brenda).
Nokomis is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Lawrence Dunbar Pollard Jr; three devoted children, Lawrence III (Andrea), Leonard (Natisha), and Lawrencia; seven grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Celebration of life service for Mrs. Nokomis Pollard will be held 1 p.m. Monday, August 17, 2015, at Gillfield Baptist Church, 209 Perry St., Petersburg; Dr. George W.C. Lyons, pastor, and Dr. Grady W. Powell, eulogist. Interment will follow at Wilkerson Memorial Park. Family visitation will be held from 12-1 p.m. at the church on day of service.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of William N. Bland & Son Funeral Home, 137 Harrison St., Petersburg, Virginia, 804-732-7841. For more information or to leave an online condolence, visit us at blandenterprisesinc.com.