Olivia Pollard

Olivia "Marie" Pollard, age 57, of Denver, Colorado, passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at Swedish Hospital. She was born March 29, 1958, the first child of Geneva Combs and John Gwin. Marie spent her childhood in Denver, Colorado and Vinita, Oklahoma; attending grade school and high school in both cities, and graduating from Vinita High School. Marie worked in the restaurant industry for over 15 years and was a well-respected chef. Her grandmother Olivia remembers that even as a child Marie was a great cook, and says she got that from her father. Her family enjoyed her cooking, especially her fried chicken. She regularly prepared holiday dinners for residents of her apartment building. She had a passion for people and loved doing things for others, so it was natural for her to change careers and become a provider in the health care industry. She assisted many clients with healthcare and personal needs to allow for them to remain in their homes. Her natural love and devotion for others kept her touching lives in a positive way until she retired. Marie was baptized at Union Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado and was a faithful member of the congregation for many years. She was a strong believer in God and in doing right by people. She was a spiritual person and expressed her spirituality in many ways. She particularly enjoyed reading "Our Daily Bread" as part of her daily devotions. Marie loved every holiday! It didn't matter which one. She always decorated her home for the holiday and liked her grandchildren helping her. Marie enjoyed her role as grandmother and spending time with her grandchildren. Marie wants to be remembered as a person who showed great love to everyone; as a person who cared about others; developed lifelong friends, and tried to teach others to care for one another. She was devoted to her family, the ideal of family, and keeping the family together. Marie was a loving daughter and granddaughter; mother and grandmother; sister, niece, friend, and partner. She leaves a large and loving family. She is survived by four children: Catrice Brantley, Jabar Allen, Canisha Armstrong, and Siey'Reaq Miller; four brothers: David Gwin, Fred Combs Jr., Nathaniel Combs, and Grover West; four sisters: Karen Combs, Mary King-Hite, Jackie West, and Sarah Gwin; Mother and Step-Father: Fred and Geneva Combs and Mother: Lois West; Grandmother: Olivia Washington; Aunt and Uncle: Denise and Loye Washington; 15 Grandchildren: Branden, Tarik, Elisha, and Malia Brantley; Tre'sor Bennett; Jabar Allen Jr.; Jawaun, Jerica, Journey, Courtney, and Dominic Allen; Allana Kenta; La'Niyah and Ya'Ziyah Mayfield; La'Riyaa Jones; and loving and devoted partner Virgil Napue.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 12/27/2015 at 12:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 12/28/2015 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO