Christina Denise Pollard

In Loving Memory of Christina Denise Pollard

Celebrating a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Love

Christina Denise Pollard took her place in heaven on May 27, 2025. She was born on February 10, 1971, to the late Bernice Pollard of Brookneal, VA and Velton Northern of North Carolina. Christina was affectionately known as “Rhoda,” a nickname lovingly given to her as a child by her Auntie Mae. Her vibrant spirit and unwavering dedication to others left a lasting impact on everyone she met.

Educated through the METCO program in the Lexington Public School system, Christina proudly graduated with the Class of 1989. She went on to pursue her passion for teaching, earning credentials in Early Childhood Education from Urban College of Boston and ABCD’s Teacher Certification Program. Throughout her career as a teacher, she made meaningful contributions to several childcare programs, including Head Start, The YMCA of Roxbury, Crispus Attucks, Revision House, and Marie Claire’s Daycare.

Christina was more than a teacher. Her career reflected her deep commitment to nurturing young minds. She was a creative force in curriculum design, integrating unique experiences like gardening, imaginative field trips, and personalized learning strategies. Her teaching philosophy emphasized meeting each child where they were and guiding them with encouragement and patience. A firm believer in fostering self-worth and self-love, she inspired confidence in every child, often saying: “Yes, you can! Try!” In 1997, The YMCA of Roxbury awarded her a Certificate of Appreciation for her outstanding service and hard work in the classroom.

In addition to her excellence in the classroom, Christina worked behind the scenes in administrative roles, including at Riggins Transportation Services, where she ensured the safety and care of children traveling to and from daycare. She also played a pivotal role in securing licensing for Revision House’s and Marie Claire’s daycare programs.

Among her proudest life moments was becoming a mother to her beloved son, Marqimm. Christina celebrated every milestone in his academic, athletic, and personal journey. Her heart overflowed with love with the arrival of her granddaughter, Sienna, bringing even more joy and fulfillment into her life.

Christina's passions were wide-ranging. She loved to sing, dance, cook, and draw. From childhood through her teenage years, she graced local talent and fashion shows at venues such as Prince Hall Grand Lodge and Roscoe’s, even performing at J.D. Furst Recording Studios. Her talent earned her accolades, including recognition as a finalist in a city-wide New York City Talent Search. Her signature fashion sense and eye-catching hairstyles always stood out and she took pride in creating her own braided and custom hair designs.

Christina was also deeply rooted in her faith. Baptized at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Boston, she was an active member of the Baptist Youth Fellowship, contributed to Vacation Bible School, and helped with the Senior Program. Her humor, warmth, and magnetic personality brought joy wherever she went. Known for giving playful nicknames, she famously dubbed four of the church’s senior women “The Golden Girls,” a nickname they proudly use to this day.

As a bold, articulate, and passionate woman, she never shied away from fiercely advocating for herself and others. Her love for cooking led her to a chef position at The Pit, and she dreamed of writing and illustrating children’s books, as well as launching her own t-shirt brand. A devoted, and over the top fan of Whitney Houston, Michael and Janet Jackson, Charlie Wilson, Mary J. Blige, and New Edition, music was her constant companion and source of joy.

Christina was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents Lou Fannie (Britton) and Dennis Coleman Pollard, and aunts Josephine Henry, Dorothy Evelyn Tisdale (VA), Christine Caldwell (Boston), Arleen Burks (VA), and Artha Mae Henry (Boston). Christina’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her beloved family: her son, Marqimm Taylor; her precious granddaughter, Sienna; and her devoted sisters, Letitia I. Bento (Melvyn) and Vanessa G. Taylor (Michael). She is fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews—Kyianna L. Pollard, Asia I. Bento, Aaron C. Bento, and Melvyn J. Purefied, Sr. (Antoinette)—as well as her cherished great-nieces, Taelynn Purefied and Gianna Carter, and great-nephews, Melvyn J. Purefied, Jr. and Livingstone Purefied. Her memory is lovingly upheld by her uncle, David K. Britton; her former life partner, Marvin Taylor; and a wide circle of devoted cousins and treasured friends whose lives she enriched.