Willodean Ruff Holley passed away on September 15, 2024, in Huntsville, Alabama, at the age of 90. Born on April 24,1934 in Verbena, Alabama, Willodean lived a life of grace, love, and devotion, and leaves behind a cherished legacy in her family and those whose lives she touched.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Ellen Holley Burnette (Richard), Jane Elizabeth Holley, and Martha Ann Holley; her beloved grandchildren, Kaitlin Olivia Cordova, Jesse David Burnette, Elizabeth Cordova McGee (Seth), Benjamin Crawford Burnette, and William McDonald Burnette; and her great-grandchildren, Joseph and Samuel McGee, and David and James Burnette. She is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 65 years, Joseph William Holley, and her parents, Newell David and Eaver Geneva Ruff.
Willodean’s life was a testament to dedication and perseverance. As the first in her extended family to attend college, she graduated from Alabama College (now the University of Montevallo) in 1956 with a degree in social work. In 1958, she met the love of her life, Joe Holley. After a whirlwind three-month courtship, they married the same year, building a beautiful partnership that spanned over six decades.
Willodean grew up in Elmore County and Montgomery, where she learned the art of sewing from her mother. She lovingly created almost all of the clothes her three young daughters wore. Her seamstressing skills later blossomed into a rewarding home business of designing, sewing, and installing window treatments, often with Joe by her side. Crafting, flower arranging, and writing were also among Willodean’s creative talents and joys.
Music filled Willodean’s heart, a passion which she shared with her husband, Joe. She and Joe are fondly remembered for their years of service at Southside Baptist Church, Willodean as church pianist and Joe as minister of music. She was also beloved during her years of service as the secretary for the Baptist Student Union (now Baptist Campus Ministries) at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. To the countless students who frequented the BSU, she was like a second mother, always offering warmth, kindness, and a listening ear.
Willodean’s greatest joys in life were her faith, family, and church. Her deep love for her husband, devotion to her children and grandchildren, and strong relationship with God shaped her life. She will be remembered for her quiet strength, limitless love, and the lasting impact she had on everyone who knew her.
Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her beloved Joe in heaven, where their love continues to endure.
On Saturday, October 5, Willodean’s family and friends will celebrate her life. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m., both held at First Baptist Church in the Chapel, 600 Governors Drive in Huntsville with Rev. Jud Reasons officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cultivate Abundance, a non-profit organization addressing food insecurity in farmworker communities. (https://www.cultivateabundance.org/donate).
