Jean Ellen Holley, 89, Florence, AL, died Saturday, March 22, 2025.Visitation will be Monday, March 31, 2025, from 12 -2:00 PM at Florence First Assembly of God, 3610 Helton Drive, Florence, AL. The funeral will follow at 2:00 PM. The burial will take place at Greenview Memorial Park. Officiating at the services will be Rev. Greg Woodall and Rev. Henry Melton.
Jean was born in Cherryvale, KS, on August 24, 1935. The daughter of Orin Dean Hills and Gladys Alpharetta (Pittinger) Hills. Jean became the proud, yet unofficial, representative of her Sunflower State of Kansas and Cherryvale High School’s Fighting Cherries! In her own words, she married her “high school sweetheart” and “he was all I could have hoped for.” They were married October 27th, of 1952. In their almost fifty-two years of marriage, Marvin and Jean lived in several cities, in four states. She considered making new friends and seeing new sights, an “education for the entire family.” She considered herself “blessed to be a stay-at-home-Mom” to their four children, during the “growing up years.”
From 1978 to 1999, Jean welcomed nine “Grand”sons into the family! Lynn, Dwight, Carol and Kathleen were the “blessed” ones to have such a loving Grandma for their boys. In 1981, Kleen Air Research became second home for Jean, as she was the Corporate Secretary. She had been for the secretary for so many organizations, this was a natural position for her. Since so many of her family worked there from time to time, she could keep tabs on everyone!
Retirement came for Jean in the year 2000. No grass would ever grow under her feet, as she became a member of the Gideon’s International Auxiliary. From time to time, Jean would serve as the Lauderdale WEST Camp’s Chaplain, Secretary, and Vice-President. Across the State of Alabama, many Auxiliary women knew her for the hundreds of personalized cards she mailed to celebrate a season with them or share in the pain of a loss in their families. She really enjoyed the Community Bible Study, as well.
Jean so enjoyed playing the flute in her high school band, marching and in concert. Her love for the arts, vocal or instrumental, on canvas or the stage, made their way into the hearts and lives of her children, her grandchildren and even her “greats!” The Faith Church Choir and the Shoals Praise & Worship Choir were the outlets for her own vocal ministry. She loved to sing her Savior’s praises and she deeply loved those who sang around her.
Jean really loved to travel! She belonged to Senior groups, taking short and long trips, with friends, Lifewise and with family. She rarely missed school reunions and family get togethers, keeping the road hot, from Alabama to Kansas and Oklahoma. Jean and Marvin traveled to Monaco, Italy, France, England, Spain, Morocco, Hawaii, the Bahamas, Israel and Alaska!
The grandkids and “greats” have kept her going to ballgames, productions, and many other activities. Yes, Jean really enjoyed the ballgames! Her Dad coached, and she spent many days at the fields watching him officiate. Her Mom played tennis! UNA would be hard pressed to find a more loyal fan for sure! She was truly a sports fanatic. No, it really didn’t matter what the sport was, she would watch several at the same time!
Some of you might remember Jean’s days as a Teen Bible Quiz Team coach. Many hours would go into a year of competition. She knew that in the end, nothing else mattered, but her loving relationship to Jesus Christ, her Savior and ultimate Healer.
The family will never forget their treks to DoubleHead, to celebrate Thanksgiving, mostly orchestrated by GiGi!
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Orin & Gladys Hills, the love of her life, Marvin, and her sweet baby girl, Andrea Gay.
She is survived by her son, Dwight Holley and wife, Janine; daughters, Lynn Pate and husband Wes, Carol Holley, of Florence, and Kathleen Phraner of Athens; Sister, Nancy Hamilton and husband Carl, of Coffeyville, Kansas; Sister-in-law, Lois Holley of Florence; Grandchildren, Scott Pate and wife Jenny, of Florence, Jeremy Pate of Franklin Tennessee, Jonathan Hubbell and wife Jessica, Casey Hubbell and wife Nicole, of Florence, David Holley and wife Jessica, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Kevin Holley of Florence, Michael Phraner and wife Jordan, of Madison, Alabama, Robby Phraner, Stephen Phraner, of Athens, Alabama; Great Grandchildren, Ella Pate, Micah Pate, Stella Walker, Liam Walker, of Florence, Nate Holley, Lucy Holley, Mark Holley, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Alyssa Hubbell, Mason Hubbell, Nicolette Hubbell, Jacob Hubbell, Liam Hubbell, Lizzie Jones, of Florence, Gabriel Phraner, Rosie Phraner, Arlen Phraner, of Madison Alabama; Nieces and Nephews, Andrea Peverly, Carrie Bilby, Rustin Hamilton, Karen Holley, Art Holley, Rhonda Holley, Rachel Siddall; and a host of extended family and friends.
Pallbearers are Jean’s grandsons, Scott and Jeremy Pate, Jonathan and Casey Hubbell, David and Kevin Holley, Michael, Robby and Stephen Phraner.
