Mrs. Bernice Stokes Holley, 84, of Andalusia, died Fri., March 6, 2009, in a Pensacola, Fla., hospital.
Funeral services were held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the Cedar Grove Church of Christ with Minister David Paher officiating, and burial following in Cedar Grove Cemetery.
Mrs. Holley was born in the Cedar Grove Church of Christ community, located on the Brooklyn Road. She was the youngest of six children. Being the “baby” in the family, she was held with special love and developed a fun-loving disposition. She became one who was gifted in helping all those around her have fun and enjoy life.
She attended her first year of school in the former Adellum School. Following its closing, she transferred to Carolina School and eventually to Pleasant Home School, where she was the valedictorian of her graduating class in 1943. She worked several years at the Commercial Bank, which was located at the time in the historic First National Bank Building. She met her husband, Robert T. Holley, there, and they were married in 1948.
When their first son was born, Mrs. Holley became a full-time homemaker and fulfilled that role to the utmost. In addition, she became the most attentive caregiver for her aging mother, and she later continued that dedicated care for her husband as his health failed seriously. She seemed to always be giving care and helping others.
Mrs. Holley was also active in her community. She actively supported her husband in his many interests such as the work of the Andalusia Civitan Club. Most of her interests and contributions were centered around church and its work. She was a faithful member of the Cedar Grove Church of Christ and served in many roles: Bible class teacher, Ladies Bible Class projects, supporting missionaries, benevolence, and preparing meals for visiting speakers.
She became a center point of her extended family. Working with her husband after her father’s death, she made their home in that of her parents, which enabled her beloved mother to continue to enjoy her own home. She became the perfect hostess and received the abundant calls and visits from the many relatives. Everyone was graciously greeted and served endless treats. She always had on hand her special homemade teacakes and pound cake, and she delighted in serving delicious country meals. Her home was a “favorite place” to go for so many and to take their friends as well.
Survivors include her sons and daughter-in-law, John William and Sheila Holley of Moulton, Ala., and Robert Lee Holley of Andalusia; her grandsons, Will Holley and Wes Holley of Moulton; and one brother, John D. Stokes of Andalusia.
Mrs. Holley is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Holley; her sister, Ruby Stokes Thomasson; her brothers, Clifton J. Stokes, Earl Hampton Stokes, and L. C. Stokes.
Pallbearers were Will Holley, Wes Holley, Curtis Thomasson, Kyle Ray Thomasson, Roy Wilson, Billy Stokes, Roger Miller, and Monty Russell. Congregational singing was led by Alan Lindsey. The family will accept flowers or memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
Family and friends unable to attend the services may sign the guest registry online at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.