Verda L. Holness

Verda Lee Holness, age 96, was born in Lititz District, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. This is where she spent her youth. Born to Neomie and Arthur Holness, Verda was the third of nine children of which seven preceded her in death.

She met her husband., Easton while in Jamaica where they married in December of 1951 then later migrated to Hartford Connecticut in September of 1952. Of this union three children were born: Carol Leonie, David Anthony, and Joanne Hope.

Settling in with family, Verda and Easton started putting down roots. They became members of St. Monica’s Episcopal Church of Hartford, the West Indian Social Club, The Caribbean American Society, and Verda was deeply involved in the Caribbean Ladies Cultural Club. She began working at Hartford Hospital from 1952 to 1973 until her husband Easton passed. Within a year her pioneering spirit led her to relocate to Palm Bay, FL. At that point Verda began working at Sebastian Hospital and later Holmes Regional in Melbourne until her retirement in 1991. As a new resident of Palm Bay in 1974, Verda soon became an active member of the Episcopal Church of Our Savior (COOS) contributing to the Episcopal Church Women’s (ECW) organization. She would also give her time to Vacation Bible School as well as other church functions where she made many friends.

Verda enjoyed life. She spent time traveling with friends, reading her bible, and working in her yard was a relaxing pastime. She devoted time for her children and grandchildren, always emphasizing the need to help others. Verda had such a giving heart and donated to a range of charitable organizations such as St. Jude’s Research Hospital, American Heart Assoc., March of Dimes, St. LaBre Indian school, and Aging Matters.

She is survived by her children, Carol Downs of Palm Bay, FL; David Holness Sr. of Woodstock, GA; Joanne McMillian of Lawrenceville, GA; her sister Cherry Berry, of Clacton By-The-Sea, England. Her daughter-in-law, Dorlene Holness. She is also survived by six grandchildren, David Holness Jr., Enrique Govantes, Darren Holness, Danielle McMillian, Kenneth McMillian, and Julianne McMillian: One great-granddaughter, Noelle McMillian as well as many family members living abroad.

May her eternal spirit soar with the angels that have gone on before her. May she rest in peace.