Barbara J. Pollard, 78, of Watkinsville, passed away on May 31, 2026, after an extended illness. Born on May 16, 1948, in Jesup, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Robert Hilliard and Dorothy Durden Hilliard.

A graduate of Wayne County High School, Barbara went on to build a meaningful career in the healthcare field, serving for more than 20 years, including with the Department of Veterans Affairs. She was the devoted wife of 46 years to Dr. Albert “Al” Pollard Jr., and a loving mother to three children: Rob, Shannon, and Samantha.

Barbara’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren, and she made it her mission to ensure each of them always felt her unwavering presence. Whether driving 400 miles without hesitation to welcome a newborn after a full day’s work or being the first car in the school pickup line every afternoon until she could no longer drive, Barbara lived her love through action. Her grandchildren never doubted that she was always there for them.

She cherished time spent with her family—holidays, ballgames, school events, and any moment that brought them together. Barbara loved evening walks on the beach and quiet mornings on a balcony overlooking the ocean with a cup of coffee in hand. She often shared stories of “the old days” on St. Simons and Jekyll Island. A gifted caretaker of plants, she never let one die—whether in her own home or anyone else’s. Above all, Barbara was devoted to helping others, offering her time, her strength, and her faith without hesitation. Her unwavering belief in God and her example of unconditional love remain her family’s greatest inheritance.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Shannon Johnson, and her brother, Robert Hilliard Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Al Pollard; her children, Samantha Odom (Wesley) and Robert Johnson (Beth); her grandchildren, Jacob Odom, Gabriel Odom, Emma Odom, Ansley Johnson, and Bobby Johnson; and her niece, Susan Hilliard.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Lord & Stephens, WEST, Watkinsville, with Reverend Carrie Weatherford officiating. Interment will follow immediately at Oconee Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 12:00 PM.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, is entrusted with arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com