Obituary of Mary Frances Hollister Holliday

Mary Frances Hollister Holliday peacefully passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at daybreak in her home on Signal Mountain. Her family is comforted that she is healed through His grace and eternally reunited with her beloved husband, Dr. Pope Holliday. Born in Mt Vernon, New York to Reverend Hillman and Dora Katharine Lawder "Gammy" Hollister, they moved to Washington, DC where her father held a long term pastorate at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church. Her childhood schooling, volunteering and church activities set the tone for helping others. As a graduate of Colby Junior College and Mt Holyoke during World War II when nurses were needed, she put her social work degree to work at John's Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. She was pre-deceased by her devoted husband, Dr. Pope Holliday, brother William (Bill) Hillman Hollister and granddaughter Melissa Rebecca Holliday. She is survived by her sister, Elizabeth (Betts) Hayden who lives in Aiken, SC. She adored children and was blessed with six children - 4 boys first and then 2 girls followed by 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren - all included in her daily prayers. Mrs. Holliday is the mother of Joe Holliday (Eslie) of Greensboro,NC, Tom Holliday (Amy) of Nashville, TN, Mike Holliday of Signal Mountain, Rob Holliday (Janet) of San Antonio, TX, Sugar Wheeler of Signal Mountain and Kay Denes(Gabe) of Columbus,GA. Grandchildren include Andy, Aaron(Nancy), Jonathan(Britt), Colonel Thomas Jr.(Jennifer),Israel(Hollie),Paul(Lynn), Nathan(Anne), Mary(Ben), Elizabeth(Justin), Ryan, Josh(Kristen), Jake, Sarah, and Gabriel(Sara). Great grandchildren include Mckinley, Logan, Evan, Emily, Shannon Thomas, Asa, Ava, Chapel, Jude, Weston, Cole, Hunter, Cord and Anna. After raising 6 children at Minnekahda Place surrounded by woods in North Chattanooga, she returned to social work serving at T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital as a parent advocate. Following Dr. Holliday's retirement their focus turned to community involvement to help launch the Ronald McDonald House in Chattanooga, Room In The Inn, First Things First, Doers of the Word, Faith in Action along with numerous accomplishments and community awards. They enjoyed collecting antiques and hunting Civil War relics as a family. As a nature lover she cherished the mountains, hiking, birds, wildflowers and ferns. Special family places include YMCA Family Camp on Lake Ocoee, Bear Paw on Lake Hiwassee in NC, and Athens Y Camp in north Georgia. Her Philosophy of Life included "not to worry, it's all good, God never gives us more than we can handle, have empathy for those less fortunate, some things never change like honesty and right and wrong, God has a plan for each of us, honor your ancestors, embrace life with a servant's heart" among many others. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the medical community during the last 2 years. Mere words cannot express our deepest appreciation for Sandi Shadwick, Robin Gaylor, Sonya Martin and Carolyn Morse for their gentle loving care provided to our mother at home. Buddy, her lovable lab mix, served as a loyal companion at her bedside. Her Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday at 2pm at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church with Rev. Margaret Ferguson officiating. Visitation will follow at the church in Dudley Hall. Family will gather Monday for a graveside service at Forest Hills Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Ronald McDonald House (200 Central Avenue, 37403), Room At The Inn (230 N. Highland Park Ave., 37404), First Things First (602 Lindsay Street, 37403) or a favorite charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home & Cremation Center, at the foot of historic Lookout Mountain, St. Elmo (423) 821-7551 Share your memories, stories and photos at wannfuneralhome.com.