Jerdean M Mitchell

Jerdean Alrich (Mark-Holland) Mitchell, known to many as “Jerry,” was the sixth of eight children and the only daughter of Glen Zola Mark, Sr. and Sallie Belle (Jones) Mark, born in Elon, Stoney Creek, Caswell County, North Carolina.

Raised in a farming family, Jerdean developed a strong work ethic, tending crops and caring for animals. She attended Brown’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1968. She continued her studies at North Carolina Central University before relocating to South Florida, where she began her career as a legal secretary in her brother’s law office (Attorney Freeman Mark).

Blessed with natural innate beauty, she was among the first Black contestants in the inaugural Miss Black North Carolina pageant. She inherited her mother’s gift for cooking and learned the value of hard work, independence, and resilience, skills she carried throughout her life.

In 1977, Jerdean made Palm Beach County her home. She married William (“Bill”) Holland, Jr., with whom she remained lifelong friends, and in 1978 they welcomed their beloved daughter, Wendy Delores Holland, Ph.D. Jerdean’s greatest pride was Wendy, whom she encouraged in education and life. Just days before her passing, she shared:

“Wendy is the best daughter any mother could ever hope for. She has done everything I’ve ever asked of her.”

Jerdean also married Coach Bradley B. Mitchell and shared a love of travel with him. She worked with Burlington Industries and dedicated over a decade to the Palm Beach County School Board before retiring. She was a caring landlord, a devoted daughter to her parents, and a selfless caregiver, bringing her mother to Florida during her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She peacefully passed away at the age of 76 on March 28, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida, with her daughter Wendy and former husband Bill by her side.

Preceded in Death by:

Coach Bradley B. Mitchell; parents Glen Zola Mark, Sr. and Sallie Belle (Jones) Mark; nephews Brandon Mark and Kenny Mark, Jr.; brothers Larry Mark, Roscoe Mark, and Bernard Mark; brother-in-law Maurice Holland; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Survived by:

Her loving daughter, Wendy Delores Holland, Ph.D.; former husband William (“Bill”) Holland, Jr.; brothers Glen Mark, Jr. (Carolyn), Kenneth Mark, Sr. (Sarah), Freeman Mark, Esq., and Ricky Mark (LaVonda); sisters-in-law Brenda Holland (Maurice), Barbara Faucett Mark (Roscoe), Edna Brown Mark (Bernard), and Rhonda Robinson (Larry); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

The Mitchell, Mark, and Holland families extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered prayers, condolences, and support during this time of loss.

Final arrangements in care of Royal Palm Funeral Home