[List] Obituary: Willodean Holley (Mrs. Joe Holley)
Cecil Stokes
cstokes at hiwaay.net
Fri Sep 20 08:58:41 EDT 2024
Obituary: Willodean Holley (Mrs. Joe Holley)
BORN 04/24/1934; DIED 09/15/2024
Visitation Oct. 5, 202410:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.First Baptist Church Chapel
Willodean Ruff Holley passed away on September 15, 2024, in Huntsville,
Alabama, at the age of 90. Born on April 24,1934 in Verbena, Alabama,
Willodean lived a life of grace, love, and devotion, and leaves behind a
cherished legacy in her family and those whose lives she touched. She is
survived by her loving daughters, Ellen Holley Burnette (Richard), Jane
Elizabeth Holley, and Martha Ann Holley; her beloved grandchildren,
Kaitlin Olivia Cordova, Jesse David Burnette, Elizabeth Cordova McGee
(Seth), Benjamin Crawford Burnette, and William McDonald Burnette; and
her great-grandchildren, Joseph and Samuel McGee, and David and James
Burnette. She is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 65 years,
Joseph William.
Willodean's life was a testament to dedication and perseverance. As the
first in her extended family to attend college, she graduated from
Alabama College (now the University of Montevallo) in 1956 with a degree
in social work. In 1958, she met the love of her life, Joe Holley. After
a whirlwind three-month courtship, they married the same year, building
a beautiful partnership that spanned over six decades.
Willodean grew up in Elmore County and Montgomery, where she learned the
art of sewing from her mother. She lovingly created almost all of the
clothes her three young daughters wore. Her seamstressing skills later
blossomed into a rewarding home business of designing, sewing, and
installing window treatments, often with Joe by her side. Crafting,
flower arranging, and writing were also among Willodean's creative
talents and joys.
Music filled Willodean's heart, a passion which she shared with her
husband, Joe. She and Joe are fondly remembered for their years of
service at Southside Baptist Church, Willodean as church pianist and Joe
as minister of music. She was also beloved during her years of service
as the secretary for the Baptist Student Union (now Baptist Campus
Ministries) at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. To the countless
students who frequented the BSU, she was like a second mother, always
offering warmth, kindness, and a listening ear.
Willodean's greatest joys in life were her faith, family, and church.
Her deep love for her husband, devotion to her children and
grandchildren, and strong relationship with God shaped her life. She
will be remembered for her quiet strength, limitless love, and the
lasting impact she had on everyone who knew her. Her family takes
comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her beloved Joe in heaven,
where their love continues to endure.
On Saturday, October 5, Willodean's family and friends will celebrate
her life. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at
11:00 a.m., both held at First Baptist Church in the Chapel, 600
Governors Drive in Huntsville with Rev. Jud Reasons officiating. In lieu
of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cultivate Abundance, a
non-profit organization addressing food insecurity in farmworker
communities. (www.cultivateabundance.org/donate).
ttps://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/huntsville/name/willodean-holley-obituary?id=56340254&e=1da56445d887ca78a6cc8fe3aa356028&lctg=5ecfec02c67a7c7f52121d5a&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter_huntsville_obits%202024-09-20&utm_term=Newsletter_huntsville_obits
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