Peggy Ruth Holland, 83, of Gastonia, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026. She was born on February 17, 1942, in Martin, Georgia, and from the very beginning she carried a gentle strength and quiet grace that stayed with her throughout her life.
Peggy graduated from West Mecklenburg High School and on October 18, 1970, married the love of her life, Samuel Wayne Holland. Their marriage was a true partnership built on devotion, respect, and deep love. Peggy was not only his wife, but his heart, and he cherished every part of who she was.
She dedicated many years to working in education at Tuckaseegee Elementary School, where her kindness and patience left a lasting mark on both students and coworkers. Outside of her work, Peggy found joy and peace in gardening and nature. As a proud member of the Mecklenburg Rose Society, she nurtured beauty wherever she went — in her garden, in her home, and in the lives of those she loved.
Peggy was beautiful inside and out. She had a tender heart, a quiet strength, and a way of making others feel loved and seen. Family was everything to her, and she poured her love freely into her husband, children, and grandchildren. She was deeply cherished by her family and clearly adored by her husband, who valued everything about her.
Peggy is survived by her devoted husband, Samuel Wayne Holland; her children, daughter Connie Keller (Gregg) and son Jeff Holland (Shannon); her beloved grandchildren, Lauren Lamb (Randy), Monica Keller, William Holland, Josie Holland. Great Grandchildren Zoe Lamb, and Aubrey Lamb; her sister Martha Lee; her brother Thomas Dean; and her sister Joanne Bean. She was preceded in death by her sister Barbara Godley.
Though she is no longer with us, Peggy’s love, kindness, and gentle spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.
Visitation will be held on January 18, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park, located at 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054, US.
The Funeral Service will follow on January 18, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the same location. A committal service will be held at Gaston Memorial Park.
