Geraldine Gantt Holland

Geraldine G. Holland, known to everyone as “Geri,” including her grandchildren, passed away peacefully at her home in Fairfax, VA on June 16, 2020, at the age of 89 years. Geri suffered for many years with Alzheimer’s disease. Geri was the wife of the late Dr. Robert L. Holland, “Bob,” of Fairfax, VA.

Born in Catawba County, NC in 1931, Geri was the oldest of four children of the late James Albert and Claudia Elizabeth Gantt (Forrest). Her first life accomplishment was arriving into this world so small she fit into a shoe box! Geri graduated from Harmony H.S. One of her first jobs was working in the Dean’s office at the Univ. of Tennessee.

Geri is survived by:

1 child, her son, Robert Holland Jr (Robbie) and his wife Sharon of Fairfax, VA.

2 sisters, June Parker of Gallatin, TN and Martha Ashley of Centreville, VA.

4 grandchildren, Holly, Chip, Austin and Heidi

8 great grandchildren.

Geri had one brother, the late Joe Gantt of Statesville NC.

Geri was an avid artist and an original member of the Vienna Arts Society. Geri loved expressing herself thru her art. She painted using a variety of techniques learned under the tutelage of her mentor and loving friend the late Catherine Ball. Nearly all of Geri’s works were framed by Bob and are highly sought after.

After moving to Vienna in 1967 Geri discovered the Merle Norman store. Unaware at the time, Merle Norman Cosmetics would soon become Geri’s new life passion. It was an easy transition from canvas to faces.

Geri and Bob bought the Vienna VA Merle Norman Studio in 1971 and a few years later she opened up two more studios. Fair Oaks Mall and Centreville VA. For almost 50 years Geri was a successful business owner. She was a living testimonial to the Merle Norman Brand. Hardly a day passes without hearing a heartfelt story of how she helped and encouraged someone. Geri had lots of help from the gals in the family over the years. Her sister, Martha worked for her for over 30 years.

Geri was a daughter, wife, mother, and sister. She was unselfish and would touch people with her smile, her kindness and positive attitude. She professed her Christianity by helping others. She was always looking for a way to cheer you up. She liked bridge parties, Johnny Carson monologues, snacking on Coca-Cola, Fritos, cheese & hot peppers. She loved dancing, Elvis, re-arranging furniture, vacuuming up foot prints (painting with a vacuum), NOT cooking and …picking out a vanity license tag!

The family will honor Geri and celebrate her life at the National Memorial Park in Falls Church, VA on June 30, 2020.

Memorial donations may be made to:

Camp WAMAVA

PO Box 6264

Columbia MD 20145

Checks: Please write “Geri Holland Memorial” in the memo line.

PayPal: You can make a secure PayPal donation without creating an account.

Send questions to [email protected].

Camp WAMAVA is a non-profit Christian camp for boys and girls, located in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. Camp WAMAVA began in 1955.