Dorcie Henson Holladay

Dorcie (Dot) Ruth Henson Holladay was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and most of all, a dedicated servant of the Lord. She was born in Marion County, AL, on July 11, 1929 to Ophelia Mae Karr Henson and James Rufus Henson.  She was the youngest and last survivor of her 5 siblings – Girthel Lelair Henson Harkins (1918-2006), James Harshel Henson (1920-2007), Loree Henson Patterson (1921-1990), Gladys Hildred Henson Elis (1924-2006), and Johnny Doyle Henson (1926-1996).  After leaving her family farm, she met Billy (Bill) Kenneth Holladay, who was a radio repairman in the U.S. Navy at the time. They were married on August 13, 1954, and were blessed two years later with their first son Kenneth and four years later, their second son, Gary.

Dot and Bill lived in several states across the U.S. and twice in Germany, making life-long friends everywhere they went. Their love of travel led them on adventures around the world, often accompanied by their closest friends.  They settled mostly in Orlando, FL, where Dot served as an elder’s wife in the Holden Heights and South Bumby churches of Christ, where for many years she taught ladies’ bible classes.  She held various interesting jobs including administrative assistant, medical transcriber, and department store sales.  She also worked part time in the ‘70s and ‘80s as an Avon lady.  She was very successful, earned numerous awards, and her customers frequently became her friends. After retiring, they moved to north Alabama to live near family.

Dot was full of life, love, and kindness, and was a wonderful listener. Nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her family and friends. She loved the beauty of the natural world; her joy was evident in her herb gardens, in bird watching, and in growing spectacular flowers. She had a quick wit with a ready laugh and was known among her friends for her hospitality and cheerful holiday parties.  Dot was an amazingly resilient person; she survived several rounds of cancer and other health hardships but never lost her sweet spirit, humor, or love for her family.

Dot is survived, loved, and missed by her two sons: Kenneth Holladay (and wife Deborah) and Gary Holladay (and wife Kimberly); five grandchildren Aaron (Natalie) Holladay, Miriam (Doug) Juckett, Benjamin (Lindsay) Holladay, Andrew (Stephanie) Holladay, and Gary (Aimee) Holladay; nine great-grandchildren, a niece, and several nephews.

Flowers are encouraged for celebrating the life of Dorcie "Dot" Holladay.  After services, some flowers will be donated to Valley View Health & Rehabilitation.