Pauline “Polly” Wilkins Garrard

RALEIGH – Pauline “Polly” Wilkins Garrard, 97, passed away Friday, September 4, 2020. She was born in Edgecombe County on July 22, 1923 to the late B.R. and Nancy Reaves Harrelson. In addition to her parents, Polly was preceded in death by her first husband, John J. Wilkins, a former employee of Dillon Supply Company of Raleigh; her second husband, Sam Garrard; sister, Beulah Mumford; and a brother, Louie Harrelson. In her professional life, Polly was a bookkeeper with several organizations, the longest of which was First Baptist Church (Salisbury Street) of Raleigh, from which she retired. During her career at the church, Polly was a member of Temple Baptist Church in Raleigh, and later joined First Baptist Church (Salisbury Street) of Raleigh. A woman of faith, Polly loved the Lord and instilled in her children the teachings of Jesus. Polly loved music, growing roses, and was a talented seamstress all her life. Of all her pastimes, Polly’s favorite was her family. She adored her grandchildren, and the feeling was mutual. She will be dearly missed by her family, church family, and friends in the days ahead. Polly is survived by her daughters, Joanne Wilkins Canady and husband, Randy of Clayton, Donna Wilkins Hardin and husband, Keith of Greenville, S.C., Shirley Wilkins Hobson and husband, John of Raleigh; grandchildren, Benjamin Canady (Carlyn), Meredith Kuny (Dave), Adrienne Greenway (Cody), Drew Hardin, and Lauren Bradley (Nick); great grandchildren, Makayla, Izabella, Ally, Katie, Jamie, Caroline, and Savannah; and her sister, Nancy Adams of Stantonsburg. Due to Covid-19, the family will hold a private graveside service at Montlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Polly’s memory to First Baptist Church, Music Endowment Fund, 99 N. Salisbury, Raleigh, NC 27603. Arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com