Harold Edward Jolly celebrated his 66th birthday on September 8, 2018. He met his Creator face to face on Saturday evening, September 15, 2018 at 11:22 pm from his longtime home place west of Okolona surrounded by his family. Harold was born Sept. 8, l952 in Okolona, the son of the late Wilmon and Pauline Murdock “Polly” Jolly. A patriotic American and proud Mississippian, Harold served 6 years in the Mississippi National Guard. He was a lifelong member of the New Hope United Methodist Church west of Okolona where he held several offices including song leader. He lived all his life in the Okolona area where he was a beloved figure and a friend and public servant to all. Graduating from Okolona High School, Harold’s working life included a 33-year career with the Okolona Street and Water Department, retiring in 2012 as Superintendent. He was revered and respected by the citizens of Okolona and provided top notch street and water services to the townspeople. A licensed Water Operator by the State of Mississippi, Harold was sought out by other systems around Northeast Mississippi to trouble shoot and provide technical assistance. He enjoyed working and throughout his career, owned Jolly’s Backhoe Service. A master plumber, Harold provided grave digging services to thousands of Okolona area families in their time of need. He was beloved by his family, enjoyed woodworking and piddling in his shop and was a proud and doting Paw to his only granddaughter, Emmy Jo. He will be sorely missed by family and a grateful community.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 2 PM Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church of Okolona with his brother in law, Bro. Bobby Brock officiating and his pastor, Bro. Bill Cornett assisting. Burial will follow in the New Hope United Methodist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 PM-8 PM Monday and from Noon-service time Tuesday-all at the Okolona First United Methodist Church. Holland Funeral Directors-Okolona Chapel is honored to be serving their longtime colleagues’ family and friends.
Harold leaves behind to mourn his passing, his wife, Joyce Ann Brock Jolly, to whom he married Feb. 19, 1983 at New Hope UMC; his children, Christy Jolly and Michael Edward Jolly and his wife, Lindsay, all of Okolona; his beloved granddaughter, Emmy Jo Jolly; His siblings, Patricia Turner (Sammy) of Starkville and Martha DeCanter (Ricky) of Okolona, and Philip Jolly (Brenda) of Okolona, and David Jolly (Allene) of Ingomar; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and a host of friends everywhere.
Pallbearers will be his nephews: Rob and Casey Turner, Dave, Hunter and Timmy Jolly and Chad DeCanter. Honorary pallbearers will be past and present members of the Okolona Street and Water Department.
Memorials may be made in honor of Emmy Jo Jolly to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 252 Danny Thomas Way, Memphis, Tenn. 38501.
