Dianne Dempsey Holman

COLUMBIA - Dianne Dempsey Holman was born on September 1, 1943. She passed away suddenly on June 28, 2016. Born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the eldest daughter of Harold (Jack) Dempsey and Elsie Bishop Dempsey, Dianne spent her childhood in Albany, Georgia. She graduated from Albany High School, where she was involved in many school activities.

She was a graduate of Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in History. While at Wesleyan, she was a member of the internationally famous “Washboard” Band, singing and playing the wooden spoons.

Following her education, she worked for the American Red Cross and was assigned to the Naval Hospital at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. There she met her future husband of 50 years, Captain Kenneth Holman (USMC), and married on November 26, 1966. Known as “Aunt Diamond” by her great nephews Charlie, Wade, and Davidson, she was known for her baking prowess, quick smile, beautiful voice, funky jewelry, and fun, loving personality.

Surviving are her husband, Kenneth F. Holman; son, Kenneth (Tripp) Holman; daughter, Mary Beth Holman; sister, Jane Dempsey Hill of Albany, Georgia; sister-in-law, Kathleen Holman McKibben of Ponte Vedra, Florida; niece, Dana Oosterveen (Casey); nephews, Dave Hill (Melinda), Sean McKibben, and Brian McKibben; great niece, Sienna McKibben; and beloved King Charles Spaniels, Satch and Jasmine.

A memorial mass will be celebrated Saturday, July 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

The family would like to thank the many friends who called, visited, and helped, with special thanks to her P.E.O. Sisters, 531 Club, and Bocce Compatriots.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Chapter U P.E.O., 120 Chancery Lane, Columbia, SC 29229; or St. Joseph Capital Campaign, 3600 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205.