Betty Holland

Betty Holland, 86, faithful believer and servant, went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 9, 2021. Elizabeth “Betty” Jane Griffin was born at Oak Grove, Fork Union, VA on July 19, 1934 to the late Thomas Henry and Della Bell Griffin. The family moved to Richmond, VA in 1940. There they ran a boarding house and Morton’s Tea Room at 2 East Franklin Street. Later they moved to Ashland to manage the Henry Clay Inn where they served tea every afternoon. Surviving a fire by the grace of God, and the later support of extended family, the Griffin’s then moved to Wilmington, VA. There they ran the general store and post office where people gathered for friendship as much as for business. By spiritual gift, family heritage and childhood training, hospitality was Betty’s hallmark. She married John Walter Holland on December 31, 1955 at Lyles Baptist Church; they celebrated their 65th anniversary in 2020. She is survived by her three children, Martha Jane Holland Thorson (Larry), Patricia Anne Holland Stouffer (Bruce) and John Michael Holland (Sherrie); eight grandchildren, Kari Thorson Guastella (Ben), Eric Thorson (Priscilla Mullen), Lizzy and A.J. Stouffer, John, Mary, Allen and Christy Holland; two great grandchildren, James and Linnea Guastella; and her brother, Allen Bell Griffin (Edna). Betty Jane graduated from Fluvanna High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education from Longwood College. She began her teaching career teaching Home Economics in Stony Creek, then Home Economics and History in Albemarle where she led the Future Homemakers of America. Later in Fluvanna, she taught sixth grade at Cunningham School, then for 20 years taught fourth grade at Columbia District School where she served as Lead Teacher. Transitioning toward retirement, she taught eight years at Palmyra Elementary as a Reading Interventionist. Betty was known for commitment to family, long lasting friendships and service to church and community. She served as clerk of Lyles Baptist Church for as long as anyone can remember until the time of her death. She belonged to the Women’s Missionary Union for Lyles Baptist Church and in the early years also participated in a circle at Bethel Baptist Church. She was active in the Wilmington Club, cooking meals for years for the Ruritan Club. She participated in the Historical Society and the Women’s Farm Bureau. As a cancer survivor, she supported and participated in the Walk for Life. Betty was a life member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for more than 50 years, often working to care for and honor veterans. She served as Regent of the Point of Fork DAR Chapter for three years from 2011-2014. She enjoyed travel to all 49 continental United States, Mexico and Canada. Passing the requisite college swimming class with fear and trepidation, many years later she thoroughly enjoyed a white water rafting trip during a trip out west. She knitted sweaters and taught many people how to sew. She loved cats, setting a beautiful table and listening to the piano. We grieve today our loss of a devoted mother, but remember that her favorite verse was Psalm 118:24, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” So we thank the Lord for the life and gift of Betty Holland. A visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Monday, February 15, 2021 at Sheridan Funeral Home in Kents Store, VA. A graveside service will be held at 3pm on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Lyles Baptist Church in Palmyra, VA. Memorial donations may be made for DAR scholarships through the Point of Fork Chapter with checks written to Point of Fork DAR, note B. Holland, and sent to the treasurer, Harriette Lindsay Kent White, at P.O. Box 55, Fork Union, VA 23055, lindsayw719@gmail.com. Flowers may be given through Scarlett’s Flowers. For everyone’s health, please remember COVID-19 safety guidelines.