Mariana Hollis

Mariana Hollis was born on February 2, 1984 to Wendell and Patricia Hollis. She was named after her grandmothers, Annie Mae Givens (maternal); and Mary Louise Hollis (paternal). Annie Mae preceded Mariana in death in 1989. Mariana was given the nick name Mars by her brother Efrom Hollis. She was born into a large family; two older sisters, Lea and Kisha; and two older brothers, Wendell II and Efrom.

Mars was born at 23 weeks gestation and was given only 6 weeks to live. We were told she would not walk, and she would not be able to sit up on her own. When she was born, her ears had not fully developed; nor had her lungs. She immediately required open heart surgery to close the patent ductus. She was in the NICU for months. As a result of the oxygenation to keep her alive, her retinas were detached, her lungs were scarred, and she suffered extreme bleeding in her brain. Despite several surgeries, she was blind, and was severely brain damaged. Even though she suffered all these medical, and neurological setbacks, she was the happiest child.

She defied medical predictions and continued to live. She received numerous blood transfusions, before they were screened for blood borne disorders. As a result of all her deficits, Mars suffered a lifelong seizure disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and many other issues. Yet she continued to thrive and survive.

Mars was the glue of our family. She was an angel loaned to us for a brief time. We determined from the inception that she would stay with us; we would never institutionalize her and we would always be present for her. Mars became a member of a military family and became a world traveler. She traveled with the family from El Paso, Texas, to Washington D.C., to Fort Lee VA., to Charlottesville, VA., to Wiesbaden and Wuerzburg Germany, to Atlanta, GA, and finally to Chandler AZ. While living in Germany, Mars was blessed to attend Blindeninstituts-stiftung, Wurzburg, a German run institute for blind and handicapped individuals. She actually lived on campus and visited her family on weekends. By the 2nd month of this arrangement, the family requested a military reassignment, to be closer to her and to be able to visit her every day.

During her European stay, Mars visited numerous countries and actually skied on the Swiss Alps and visited the underground mines in Germany. She played in parks in France and smelled flowers in Holland. She was the consummate globe trotter.

Mars attended special education classes and received her high school diploma from Hamilton High School, in Chandler AZ. She had a private graduation ceremony at home and was surrounded by family and friends.

Mars was the poster child for the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind and was part of the Department of Defense Family of the Year.

After graduation, Mariana took up residence as the Queen Diva. Her management staff consisted of the general manager, Pat Hollis; the assistant manager, Wendell Hollis; and the junior manager, Lea Hollis. She had an entourage of medical and nursing staff, including her aunt, Diann Dabney, and Sharon Elevado. She had her own ministerial staff, and her own care staff. We all loved Mariana and cared for her to the best of our abilities.

Mars loved music, and loved to dance. She loved her stuff animals, especially Sponge Bob, who was always present. When the music was not to her liking, Sponge would announce her displeasure by hitting you upside the head. Mars loved to travel and enjoyed long long rides with her Daddy. She was his road dog!

Mars had a special Friday routine. She always intuitively knew when Friday came around. Friday was her beauty shop day. She was pampered from head to toe. Her hair was done. She received a massage; her nails were done; and she went for a road trip for dinner and an outing.

On Friday, January 31, 2014 (two days before her 30th birthday), Mars had a beauty day. Her mom did her hair, Lea gave her a bath and rubdown, and the hospice staff gave her a massage. Mars then took the ultimate road trip to be with the Lord. Her family was present when she started her transition. She left this world with a smile on her face. Her eyes were opened and she saw her family and God. Our angel went back to the presence of God. She received her glorified perfect body. We are devastated and heartbroken, but thankful that she suffers no more. She will forever be in our hearts and memories.

Mars leaves grieving parents, Wendell and Pat Hollis; siblings, Lea, Kisha, Wendell and Efrom; grandparents, Steven and Mary Hollis; aunts and uncles, Sharon, Roxie, Steven II, Russell, Curtis, and Charles; innumerable cousins, nieces, and nephews. Mars was an inspiration to all who came in contact with her. God truly blessed us with one of his favorite impish angels.

We love you Mars. We miss you Mars. There is a hole in our hearts. We’ll see you again in the bye and bye.

The family of Mariana Hollis wish to express our sincere thanks to you for your presence here this day; for your many acts of kindness, your prayers, phone calls, visits, beautiful cards, flowers and delicious dishes you shared with the family during this time of bereavement.

We would also like to express our gratitude to family members and friends who shared precious hours with Mars, making her last days comfortable. A very special thanks to the Chandler Regional Hospital, and Hospice of the Valley for making her transition to her heavenly home peaceful.

There are so many people that have shown kindness with love, food, prayers, hugs, tears, and support. We thank each and every one of you. If we do not mention you by name, please forgive our oversight, it is unintentional. We thank Diann Dabney, Sharon Elevado, and Lannie Johnson for their medical assistance to the family. We thank Rev. and Mrs. Cecil Hopson, Rev. and Mrs. David Pack, Rev. Dr. Fredrick R. Browning, and Elder Ty Ivy for their ministerial support to our family. Thanks to Sonrise Faith Community Center and our Pilgrim Rest family members for their loving support. Also, we would like to thank Marcetta Lewis and Shelby Stewart for the care and love they provided for Mars in our home.

We thank Mr. and Mrs. James Bruer, Judge Linda Spencer Walter and Nicolas Spencer Walter, Genene Dyer, Connie Pettis, Carolyn Moody, Dr. and Mrs. Ben Harrison, Mr. Dennis Dr. Patricia Neff, Lynn Braunberger ,Judith Conley, Pam Williams and Lennis and Barbara McCray for their support. Special Thanks to the Sisters of the Valley, Smart Setters and the Bunko Babes for their unwavering love and support.

To family and friends that have flown and driven from great distances to mourn with us, we thank you. We thank each child, brother, sister, grandchild, aunt, uncle, cousin, nephew, and niece who gave special care to Mars and supported us daily. God Bless You!

Wendell, Pat, and Lea Hollis

A Visitation will be held, Friday, February 7, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Valley of the Sun Funeral Home, with A Funeral Service the following day, Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m., with Graveside to follow. Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, Chandler, AZ.