Joy S. Pollard

On Monday, September 21, Joy Pollard, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away at the age of 81 after a brief fight against brain cancer. Gladys "Joy" Pollard was born on June 22, 1939, in New Hampshire and lived in North Hampton, NH, until graduating high school. Fiercely independent and always up for adventure, Joy moved to California and briefly worked as a flight attendant for Pan Am Airways, then moved back to New Hampshire to purchase her own home in her early 20s. In 1966, Joy moved to Arlington, TX, where she raised two children, Todd and Kimberly. Joy was an avid tennis player, gardener, and animal lover. Determined and self taught, Joy could build or fix anything - a DYIer long before the term was coined. Never afraid of hard work, she had a wide array of jobs, including waxing tractors and airplanes. She earned her degree in Biology, and began a 30+ year career at UT Southwestern Medical Center as a cytogenetics technologist until she retired at the age of 72. Known for her feisty and fun-loving spirit, firm opinions, and fervent advice, Joy was also a strong advocate for others. She always wanted the best for those she loved. Joy was able to spend her final months at home with her son and daughter, and with her cats at her side. Joy was preceded in death by her mother and father, Dorothy Smiley Silveri and Norman Smiley. She is survived by two children - Todd (& wife Pam) and Kimberly, two grandchildren - Alexandra and Jackson, her sisters - Judy Christman and Jan Deyo, and numerous nieces and nephews. Please share your funny & serious stories, memories, and photos here as we remember and celebrate our Joy. We'd love to hear when and how you met Joy and favorite memories or wisdom Joy bestowed upon you. As we plan virtual and/or in person gatherings, we will share details here.