Ola Nell Gossett Holley

Ola Nell Holley, 99, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday morning, July 24, 2022. Mrs. Holley was born in Empire, Alabama on June 3, 1923 to Lee and Charlotte Gossett. She was the youngest of seven children, with three brothers (Clarence, Francis, and Talmadge-all deceased) , and three sisters (Lucille Louise, Rhoda and – all deceased). At the age of two, her father passed away. Her oldest brother, Francis, quit school and began working in the coal mines to support his family.

On December 7, 1939, Mrs. Holley, at the tender age of 16, married the love of her life, Walter S. Holley, in Mobile, Alabama. As a wife of a military husband who survived three wars, she traveled to many stations with her husband and 3 children (Jerry-deceased, Patricia, and Deborah-deceased). They were stationed in Mobile Alabama, Frankfort Germany, Manhattan Kansas, Mineral Wells Texas, and El Paso Texas where they settled and retired. Her courage and strong faith was instrumental in raising the children while her husband was away serving his country. She had a heart for God and His Word and she would often invite the children in the neighborhood to hear stories about David and Daniel and other heroes in the Bible.

She enjoyed gardening and would plant tomatoes, okra and green beans in the small area she prepared in the backyard. She spent hours in the garden pruning and harvesting her small crop each year in El Paso, TX. It was a garden that made her quite proud when she prepared evening meals.

Mrs. Holley was a strong and determined woman. At the age of 50, she went back to school to earn her Associate Degree. In balance with her independent side, she also had a loving and nurturing side as shown by the many injured stray and wild animals she helped.

Mrs Holley lived by herself in El Paso for over 30 years after her husband died. When she was 80 she went to live with her 2 daughters rotating the time between Texas and NC every 4 months. She finally settled in NC with her daughter, Patti, and her husband, Dennis, about 15 years ago. Mrs Holley had an infectious laughter and a personality that would light up any room. Her joy bubbled over through song. She could always be heard singing, even up to her passing. She often sang in church and in the hallways of Clemmons Village 2 and Bermuda Commons. At the age of 99, she even participated in Bermuda Commons’ talent show, performing an a cappella rendition of “When the Saints go Marching In”. Her life-long faith was so important to her as evidenced in her song, her laughter and smile, and her love for the Word of God.

Mrs. Holley leaves behind her daughter, Patricia (Dennis) Reavis; grandchildren, Scott Holley, Sue Meyer(John), Billy Glass(Amy), Patricia Baker(Phil); step-grandchildren- Danny Reavis(Polly), Denise McCullough(Jeff), and Derek Reavis(Mieke); fourteen greatgrandchildren; 10 great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and loved ones. In heaven, she joins her husband; parents; 6 siblings; children, Jerry (Louellen) Holley, and Deborah (Bill) Glass; and grandchildren, Tracy Holley, Jason Holley, and Missy Monahan.

The visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 3rd from 5-7pm at Frank Vogler & Sons in Clemmons. A celebration of Mrs. Holley’s life will take place on Thursday, August 4th at 2pm at Redland Church, IPHC with Pastor Dave Richardson, Jr. officiating. Mrs. Holley will be buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, next to her husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mrs. Holley’s honor to the Redland Student Fund at Redland Church, 137 Baltimore Road, Advance NC 27006.