Julia Holley

Julia Ellen Holley, daughter of the late Allen and Bessie Murphy was born Thursday, September 8, 1927, in South Hampton County, Virginia. She transitioned from this life early Monday morning, February 3, 2020, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 92 years old. Julia relocated to Pocomoke, Maryland, where she met her beloved husband of 70 years, William H. Holley. From this union, nine children were born. In addition to raising her own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she also had a hand in nurturing over 108 Foster and Fresh Air children. Ellen could never get enough of children around her feet, as she was also a Childcare Provider for many years. Ellen enjoyed and loved serving the Lord and was a longtime member of The Church of God and Saints of Christ in Seaford, Delaware, under the leadership of Bishop Frank Henson. In her active years with the church, she dedicated her time to helping provide meals to the community for several years. In her later years, Ellen continued to stay busy. She began working for First State Community Action Agency, as a Senior Companion for many elderly clients, in need of companionship, in the local area. Some of her favorite pastimes were reading her Bible and Daily Bread, solving Find-a-Word Search puzzle books and playing Spades and Uno. She was also an avid collector of bells. Ellen was raised with seven siblings, three brothers and four sisters, whom all preceded her in death. Her son, Elwood E. Holley, daughter-in-law, Sharon L. Palmer Holley, two sons-in-law, Ronald Matthews and Carlton Hughes and grandson, Markquell Bumbrey also preceded her in death. "Mom Ellen", as she was affectionately called, leaves to cherish her memories, a loving husband, Rev. William H. Holley; eight children, Sherwood W. Holley (Margaret), Mary Holley-Matthews, Clarence R. Holley, Patricia A. Nichols (James), Peggy L. Hughes, Barbara J. White (Edmund), Vonette Holley and Lynette Holley; brother-in-law, Clarence Holley; 22 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.