[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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