Wima Jean Pollard

Wilma Jean (Copeland) Pollard, 78, died Thursday, March 15, 2018, in Lubbock, TX.

Her family will gather for visitation from 6 to 8 PM Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers, 6025 82nd St, Lubbock.

The funeral service will be at 10 AM Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at Lake Ridge Chapel, with Accolade Hospice chaplain David Drake officiating. Burial will follow at the Morton, TX, cemetery. Wilma’s grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers.

Wilma was born on January 5, 1940, in Morton, Texas, to Jack and Maxine Copeland. She grew up and attended school in the Lingo and Causey communities of eastern New Mexico, graduating from Causey High School in 1958 as class valedictorian.

On November 28, 1958, in Lingo, NM, she married Howard Pollard.

She continued her education at West Texas State University, receiving her bachelor and master’s degrees in education.

The couple moved to Tulia, Texas, and from 1960 to 1986, Wilma taught elementary school there, while she and Howard raised their two sons, maintaining a large garden and staying active with 4-H livestock projects.

The Pollards moved to Denver City, Texas, in 1986, and Wilma was a teacher and educational diagnostician there until 1996, when they moved to Lubbock so Wilma could be a closer “Nana” to her beloved grandchildren.

After the move, she continued to work as an educational diagnostician for the Frenship School District until her retirement in 2012. A lifelong educator, even after retirement she tutored children in her home, and she and Howard often hosted mission students.

The Pollard home was a regular gathering place for family and friends, with Wilma following her mother’s tradition of making sure everyone had their favorite food to eat. She loved cooking for her grandchildren, and also teaching them to cook. Her apple cake and tea rings were special treats, and she cranked out countless gallons of ice cream. Wilma and Howard could always be counted on by anyone who needed them.

Wilma had a gentle, quiet manner with children, earning their trust and love. Even as her memory faded, her sweet spirit never did.

She was a member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church.

In June 2016, Wilma was preceded in death by Howard, who for almost 58 years was her cherished husband and who had also been a compassionate caregiver for his wife for the last few years. She was also preceded in death by a sister, JoAnn Campbell; and a brother, Jerry Copeland.

Survivors include two sons, Bryan Pollard of Lubbock, and Mark (Rachel) Pollard of San Antonio; six grandchildren, Desiree (Tipton) Stephenson, William Pollard, Calli (Patrick) Middlebrook, Shaley Pollard, Baley Pollard, and Alyssa Pollard; a sister, Pat Crimmins of Lubbock; and numerous nieces and nephews.