Nona Marlene Holley

Nona Marlene Holley was born in the Houston Heights Area on June 28, 1940, and joined her Heavenly Father on October 2, 2024. She was Pauline and Jack Bennett's only child. Nona had a deep faith in in Christianity from a young age. Her faith was a constant companion, bringing her comfort and hope. Nona understood that God was watching over her, regardless of life's seasons. She attended and graduated from Reagan High School, where she met her future husband, Waymon Lee Holley.

After high school, Nona attended Sam Houston State Teacher's College, where she enjoyed sorority life as an Alpha Chi Omega. She graduated in 1962 with a degree in Elementary Education. During her college years, Nona's father remarried, and she embraced and dearly loved the addition of an "honorary mother" and enjoyed the added relationship of a sister. In 1965, she and Waymon married and began their journey together.

It was in teaching that Nona found her rightful place. She loved her classroom years and treasured the lifelong friends she made during that time. The children she loved and taught were a bridge to the years ahead in Nona's life. She retired from Aldine Independent School District in 2003.

Nona's heart was expansive, overflowing with love for her family and lifelong friends. Her husband Waymon and her two sons, Jason and Jarod, were the center of her universe. Her first son, Jason Lee Holley, brought out Nona's strength and determination to help him succeed in a world that brought him many challenges. Jason thrived and flourished with the help of his family, but mostly because of Nona's unwavering determination to see him succeed. Nona's younger son, Jarod, has been her rock in recent years, tirelessly helping her with her many health battles and continuing to care for his brother.

Nona is survived by her two sons, Jason Lee Holley and Jarod Wayne Holley, her sister Vickie Taylor, brother-in-law Fred Friedrich, and many other extended family members. Nona is preceded in death by her husband, Waymon; her father, Jack Bennett; Mabel Bennett, with whom Nona shared a special relationship; sister-in-law Nancy Friedrich; grandparents; and other loved family members.

Nona will forever be remembered as a woman of extraordinary strength, love, joy, and kindness, embodying all the attributes of the Fruits of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23. Her legacy of love and strength will continue to inspire us. We love you, Nona.

Donations to the National Down Syndrome Society, ndss.org, are suggested in Nona's memory.

A celebration of life with a catered reception to follow for Nona will be held Friday, October 11, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Kingwood Funeral Home, 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX 77339.