She was born on December 1, 1930, in Osprey, Florida to Claude W. and Thelma (Edenfield) Stephens. She graduated from Sarasota High School, where she met H. Kenneth Holland, a native of Wimauma, FL. Dorothy and Kenneth fell in love while in Sarasota and decided to marry after graduation. On August 30, 1948, the couple wed in Valdosta, GA.
Shortly thereafter, and following the birth of their son, H. “Kenny” Holland Jr., Dorothy devoted her time to caring for her family and their many extended church families. After her husband graduated from Stetson University and Southeastern Theological Seminary, the Holland family moved to join numerous church communities over their long careers, in cities including Tallahassee, FL; Aurburndale, FL; Greer, SC; and Hendersonville; NC. Over the years, she served as Secretary, Volunteer Coordinator, and Youth Worship Leader at her different home churches. She especially enjoyed the time she spent working with youth groups, including her time as a youth leader at Thomasville Road Baptist Church.
Dorothy, lovingly known as “Memaw” by her family, spent her entire life serving Christ through her service and humility shown to others. As a caretaker to her family, a leader to her faith community, a teacher to her youth groups, and a light to everyone she met, Dorothy poured her love into all that she did. She exemplified gratitude and grace, serving as an example to the many young lives that she touched throughout her life. She will be remembered fondly by her grandchildren for her infectious laugh, her love for nature, and her culinary skills, rivaled only by her Rummikub and Monopoly skills.
Dorothy is survived by her husband of 72 years, Rev. Kenneth Holland of Crawfordville, FL; son, Ken Holland of Tallahassee, FL; granddaughters: Rael Holland Johnson and Laura Holland Buen (Eric), of Tallahassee, FL; great-grandchildren: Brandon Young, of Tallahassee, Madison and Melanie Young, of Orlando, and Maelee and Kai-Matthew Buen of Tallahassee. She is also survived by her brother Steve Stephens of Lake Wales, FL; brother-in-law, Pete Holland (Delores) of Sarasota, FL; sister-in-law, Velma Holland of Plant City, FL; and “bonus daughter” Christie Green Holland, of Sopchoppy, FL. Mrs. Holland also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and friends that will miss her generous and joyful spirit.
She was greeted at Heaven’s Gates by those that preceded her in death including her parents; brothers, Claude Jr. and Warren; and her dear friend, Wilma.
A small family service will be held graveside at 11:00am on Thursday, February 4th, 2021, at Culley’s MeadowWood Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you direct donations to your charity of choice, in memory of Dorothy.
Arrangements are under the care of Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Tallahassee, FL.
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