Jean Chastain Holland

Vivian Jean Chastain Holland was born June11, 1921 in Tuttle, Oklahoma to Vivian Adkins and Carl H. Chastain. Shortly after, the family moved to McClain County where Jean’s mother owned a farm. The farm was an allotment from the Choctaw Tribe. Both Jean and her mother were quite proud of their Tribal heritage all of their lives. Jean was sent a certificate and a blanket proclaiming her an Elder of the Choctaw Tribe.

She attended a one-room-school in Goldsby, Oklahoma until circumstances came about that Jean would live in Norman to attend school while living with her grandparents, Russell and Cora Chastain. They lived in a two-story home on Elm Street and let rooms to university students and faculty. Jean’s education was broadened far beyond schoolroom walls. Her grandparents were wise, caring people loved by all who knew them. They were true pioneers of Norman and Jean heard their stories, as well as, those of guests in the house.

As Jean was finishing her education at University High School, she met Richard Louther Holland. “Dick” and Jean were married in 1939. Their first child, daughter, Janet, was born in 1942 just as Dick was leaving for Europe in WWII. Followed by Richard Jr. in 1946, after he came back, and John Michael in 1950. The whole family attended McFarlin Methodist Church. Jean was very active in the church, which therefore they learned that Jean was a very good cook. Many family members mourned the loss of her cooking when she was unable to do so anymore. She had to cook two dishes to keep her family from whining piteously.

She also gardened, Edgemere Garden Club found out. She was a master seamstress, and loved doing it. And she played bridge. Many bridge clubs called on her to play-or did they just want her to bring “that pie?”

She was outgoing and a wonderful friend.