Gloria Holly

Gloria Neilson Holly (nee Boggs), Orlando, passed away Monday, March 13, 2023. She was the devoted wife of 51 years of the late James Fuller Holly, MD. Born in Bristol, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Walter John and Edith Melissa (Ritchie) Boggs. Residing in Winter Park since 1934, she attended local schools: Rollins College, FTU (University of Central Florida), with extended studies at Oxford University, UK.

Most important in her life were her husband, her children, and grandchildren, who affectionately named her "Miss Manners." Time spent with family and friends in the Holly mountain home in Highlands, N.C. was most dear to her heart. When in Orlando, she enjoyed her bridge clubs, caring for her rose garden, collecting antique silver, giving lectures on the history of silver, and presenting dramatic book reviews. A true renaissance woman, her interests were wide and varied. She was especially fond of traveling and explored the world with a spirit of adventure.

She enjoyed genealogy, tracing her roots to early leaders of Scotland. She served actively, past and present, in church, civic, and patriotic organizations: First Presbyterian Church, Orlando, for more than 60 years; initial steering committee of the Young at Heart Ministry; Past President, Orange County Medical Society Alliance; Gavel Club; Past Regent and Director, Orlando Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution; Past President, Florida Division of United Daughters of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis Chapter, Orlando; Central Florida Chapter, National Society of Southern Dames of America; Central Florida Council for Florida House, Washington,.D.C.;: Council of 101 of Orlando Art Museum; John Young Museum Guild (Orlando Science Center); University Club, Winter Park; Women's Committee of Florida Symphony Orchestra: charter member of Citrus Club; Friends of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University, UK. She was a senior member of the Country Club of Orlando, and an active member of Central Florida Chi Omega Alumnae Association and the 1985 Society of Chi Omega.

Mrs. Holly composed and copyrighted the lyrics and music for "The Children's Song", adopted by the Children of the Confederacy UDC as their official song. For this work, she was the recipient of the prestigious Jefferson Davis Historical Gold Medal, awarded in 1988 in Atlanta by the General Organization of UDC. A silver trophy was later established in her name by the Florida Division UDC to be bestowed yearly to a deserving author or musician of southern arts.

In 1995 she was honored to present a Memorial to Confederate Women in the Sanctuary of the Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. In 1994, she was nominated Florida Mother of the Year (American Mothers, Inc.) and received the Florida Merit Mother Award.

Survivors include daughters Melissa Sale (Douglas), Panama City, Fl; Priscilla O'Donnell (David), Ridgeland, MS; son James F Holly III, Lt. Colonel, Ret., (Carol), Cumming, GA; seven grandchildren: Blair Sale (Valerie),, Melissa Sale Leonard (Gareth), Priscilla Sale Ressler (Jason); Sarah and Margaret Holly; Isabella and Meredith Rand; three great grandchildren: Thomas Sale, Meredith Leonard, Charles Ressler. She was predeceased by her sister, Mrs. James Yarbrough, Winter Park.

Graveside services will be held at Palm Cemetery, Winter Park, on Wednesday, March 15th at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Orlando, Heart of the City Foundation (First Presbyterian Church), Central Florida Chi Omega Alumnae Association Scholarship Fund, or a charity of choice.

Fond memories and words of condolences may be shared for the Holly Family in the online guest book below.