Polly Hart Brank

She was born on June 21, 1943, in Wendell, NC, to the late Hattie Pauline Robertson and Durward Glenn Hart, Sr. Polly grew up in Wendell and graduated from Knightdale High School in 1961. She attended Meredith College in Raleigh before graduating from UNC-Greensboro in 1965.

Polly began her career teaching business-related classes in Wake County and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools before moving into accounting with her then-husband, Herb Brank. After settling in Greensboro in the early 1970s, she built a warm and lively home for her family and quickly became a cherished friend and community member. She joined Southside Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful member until her death.

Balancing work and family, Polly wore many hats – often all at once. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout leader, cheer mom, dance mom, swim mom, Sunday School leader, Vacation Bible School leader, Girls in Action leader, and choir member. If something was happening at church, chances are Polly was involved in some way (probably with a song on her lips and a smile that could talk you into participating, too).

Polly also knew how to have fun. She enjoyed time with her local Red Hat Society and, after being widowed for the second time, surprised her family by taking up pool. Beginning in 2016, she played in the Triad APA League at Shooters with her daughter Tiffany, proudly achieving the rank of Skill Level 3 in both 8- and 9-ball. Even after her cancer diagnosis in 2024, Polly continued to live life to the fullest, staying active in her church family and her pool league.

Her home was always open, but never more so than at Thanksgiving. Polly hosted her famous Wednesday-night Thanksgiving gatherings, inviting anyone and everyone – family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers who simply needed a place to be. She told folks to bring their favorite dish to share, but if they didn’t have one, to just come anyway. Her biscuits and legendary sausage dip were always highlights, and she somehow managed to squeeze as many people as possible around her tables. Those gatherings were filled with laughter, warmth, welcome, and love – just like Polly herself.

She is survived by her three children: Jasper L. Rogers, Jr. (Melissa), Clellie Allen, and Tiffany Brank Harvell; along with her special daughter-in-love, Dee Lineberry (Wes and family). She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: J.D. Rogers; Bradley Rogers (Giselle); Reagan Allen (children Allison and the late Morgan Lynne); Jonathan Allen (Tori); Benjamin Allen; Cas Allen; and Jo Allen. In addition, she is survived by her nephew Paul Hart (Stephanie) and niece Leigh Mullis (Joey), the children of her beloved brother Glenn; and their families: Paul’s children, Madison and Andrew, and Leigh’s daughter, Morgan London (Caleb). She was also blessed with extended family through her marriage to Herb Brank, whom she loved dearly — especially Marian Gardner (Steve), Clayton Finger (Rose), and Michael Brank (Cheryl), and their children and grandchildren. Polly is also survived by numerous beloved cousins and their families, as well as nephews and nieces from her marriage to Herb, whom she cherished as her own.

Polly was preceded in death by her husbands, James “Herb” Brank and James “Bill” Garrison; her parents; her brother, Durward “Glenn” Hart, Jr., and his wife, Judy (who was also a dear friend); and her great-granddaughter, Morgan Lynne Allen.

Polly will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her quick, razor-sharp wit, her joyful energy, and the love she poured into every person she met.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home Sedgefield Chapel. Interment will follow in Guilford Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to two organizations close to Polly’s heart: Greensboro Pregnancy Resource Center (https://thepregnancynetwork.org/partner/give/) and Samaritan’s Purse (https://samaritanspurse.org).