Mary Louise Holman, 97, Was a Generous Spirit

Mary Louise Holman died on May 31 at the Windemere Nursing Home in Oak Bluffs. She was born August 31, 1906 in Waycross, Ga., to the Rev. Matthew Holman and Melinda G. Butler. She was known to all as "Aunt" Mary, even to those who were not family. After many travels, Aunt Mary settled on Martha's Vineyard where she remained for the rest of her life.

Aunt Mary was a great and kind person at heart. Her hands were always extending to those in need. Her life has led her down a rewarding path where helping people has always played an outstanding role. Although Aunt Mary never had any children of her own, she was a foster mother to more than 25 abused and/or neglected children in her lifetime. One child who stayed close to her heart was her first foster child, Bernice Walker. She took them in her home, fed them, clothed them and gave them the greatest gift of all, love. As many know, her home was your home; she never turned anyone away.

Through her life's journey, Aunt Mary was committed to many organizations, even holding the presidential office in some. Some of these organizations include: President and treasurer of Cosmopolitan Neighborhood Association, president of the Women's Society of Christian Service, president of the Black Methodists for Church Renewal and Woman of the Year of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, where she befriended a longtime family friend, Dorothy Johnson.

She leaves to cherish her memories three nieces, her namesake, Mary Louise Holman 2nd, Dorothy Richardson and Elizabeth Jette; two nephews, Melvin Holman 2nd and John Jones, and a sister in law, Grace Holman. She is also survived by many great-nieces and nephews and a host of friends and loved ones. Among her numerous friends is one that stands out; her name is Annie Smith. Annie has dedicated her life in serving Aunt Mary in all her needs until the day she died.

Although Aunt Mary has passed on to the next world with embraces from her late siblings, parents and friends, she will always live in their hearts and will never be forgotten.

Her funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs, officiated by the Rev. Mary Jane O'Connor-Ropp. Visiting hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 4. Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Oak Bluffs.