Earlene W. Hollinger

and I have kept the faith – II Timothy 4:7

EARLENE W. HOLLINGER was born in Dallas County, Alabama on March 23,1945, to the late Sallie B. Walker. Earlene’s early education began at the Lowndes County Elementary and High School, where she graduated, valedictorian, in 1961. In August 1961, she enrolled at Alabama State College, (now Alabama State University), where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in English. While continuing her teaching career, Earlene, later, earned a Master of Education degree in English from Troy University. Earlene met Curtis Hollinger, the love of her life, at Alabama State University in November 1962. They were married on October 9, 1965, and remained happily married for the next fifty-nine years until her death on October 31, 2024. From their marriage, one child was born, Curtis L. Hollinger, Jr.

Earlene began her teaching career at R.B. Hudson High School in Selma, Alabama in 1965. In August of 1966, Earlene and Curtis moved to Barnesville, Georgia where she was employed by the Lamar County Board of Education as an English teacher for six wonderful years. Earlene and Curtis returned to Montgomery in August 1972 where she taught English at Jefferson Davis High School (now Dr. Percy Julian High School). After teaching at Jefferson Davis High School for thirteen years, she became the Mass Media director of the Carver Creative and Performing Arts Center (formerly known as CPAC).

While at CPAC, Earlene and her students were recipients of many state and national high school journalism awards. They traveled to many universities throughout the United States and returned with the top prizes.

Her career as an educator reached its peak when the Alabama High School Journalism Association selected her as the Alabama Mass Media Teacher of the year. After thirty years as an educator, Earlene retired and opened her business, the Hollinger Video and Production Company, where she was a very successful entrepreneur for eleven years.

Earlene professed her faith in God at a young age and used her love of music to sing and play piano in church. From there, wherever her home was, she participated in worship and service to God.

Earlene is survived by her loving and loyal husband Curtis L. Hollinger, Sr., her loving and devoted son, Curtis L. Hollinger, Jr, her grandchildren, Christian Jahmal Hollinger and Noa Jamir Hollinger of Lafayette, Louisiana, two brothers, three sisters and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

A friends and family visitation for Earlene will be held Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street, Alabama, followed by a celebration of life church service at 11:00 AM. Service will conclude with a burial at Greenwood Cemetery.