Mary Elizabeth Holliman

Mary Elizabeth Holliman’s life journey began on May 14, 1919 in Bedford, Virginia. She was born to Mr. Charlie and Janie Sharpe. Her family relocated to Columbus, Ohio where she was a graduate of East High School. She would eventually meet and wed her late husband George Holliman, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Holliman were the proud parents of the late George Holliman, Jr. and Sandra Blunt. Mary leaves to cherish her memory; devoted daughter Sharon Brown, who was her regular Sunday road trip and traveling partner. Mary was a member of Refuge Temple Church where she was honored as one of the “Mothers of the Church”. Having a birthday that often fell on Mother’s Day was very fitting for Mary, as she seemed called by God to raise and influence generations of family members and their friends. The Holliman matriarch was affectionately known as “Mommy” and would eventually gain the name all would call her, “Grammy”. Grammy, like many loving grandparents, took on the responsibility of raising three generations of children. Grammy’s unconditional love and candid opinion were two of her greatest attributes. Anyone who met her quickly became a friend because they could not only rely on her love, but also her candid opinion, whether you wanted it or not. All who relied on her advice could bet their money she would be right 99.9% of the time, yet many times they’d take an alternate route only to have her say “I told you so” gleaming that beautiful, yet sly grin. Her home was the gathering place for family functions, holidays, major events, adventures with friends, and the counseling sessions everyone relied on. Grammy loved to travel, take trips to the casino, go on Sunday rides to enjoy a peaceful get away, and go fishing along the banks of the creeks and rivers. The consummate super-woman, she was never afraid to bait or take a fish off the hook. Greater than that, Grammy taught all women, children she raised, and those she guided, what it truly meant to have a back bone and to never yield when you are challenged or when someone does you wrong. She also taught them the true meaning of unconditional love, living her life as a clear example of accepting and loving people no matter their past, short fallings, whom they loved, where they came from, or what they looked like. On Sunday March 3, 2019, at the blessed age of 99, God whispered in her ear telling her to come home and claim her loving place amongst the angels.

Grammy now leaves her life’s legacy of good deeds and a loving heart to her beloved family. Responsible to ensure her legacy carries on are grandchildren Kimberly, Jeni, Diva, Monica (who took loving care of Gram in her latter years), Tanya, Toya, Richard II (Laurel), and Angie; Great-grandchildren RaShaun, Tia, Marco, Crista (Algenon), John, Brittany (Eric), Preston Todd, James, Tony, Briana, Queston, Sandre’el, Bria’, Ryan, Richard III, Noah, Leah, and Spencer; Great-great grandchildren Myleisha, Jaden, Carinn, Camille, Carmen, Alana, Camryn, Jaeshun, Ariana, Ky’air, Eric, Gisella, Audrey, and Saint; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Grammy was preceded in death by grandson Todd Holliman.

Visitation 11:00am and Funeral 12:00pm Monday, March 11, 2019 at New Birth Christian Ministries 3475 Refugee Rd, 43232.

Interment at Green Lawn Cemetery.