Mary Ann Howard Holland

Mary Ann Howard Holland was gifted life on June 24, 1950 in Jacksonville, Florida. Her parents, the late Eddie and Gracie Howard, along with three sisters and eleven brothers welcomed Mary into the family. Being the youngest child, Mary received constant love and attention; the two things she learned to give to others in abundance. On June 18th, 2014 Mary transitioned from this earthly life to her heavenly home.
Mary Ann spent most of her life in Jacksonville, Florida. She was a student at Stanton High School where she played flute in the high school band. After graduation Mary later studied at Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida.
Soon after graduating from Stanton High, Mary received a job at Bell South (later renamed AT&T) where she was an exemplary employee for thirty-four years. Mary Ann worked in various capacities (operator, billing clerk, fraud investigations and special projects assistant for the Engineering department) for Bell South. She was presented with numerous awards for her work ethic and for the pride she maintained in her daily work assignments. Mary was an impeccable professional and this was displayed even in her paperwork. She was awarded for having the most organized desk in the entire company. These organizational skills were carried into her personal life as well. Mary retired from Bell South in 2001.
In 1972 Mary Ann met and married her love, Ulysses M Holland. Mary and Ulysses became the proud parents of Sean Leon and Tia Brantez. Mary devoted her life to Jesus and to raising her children
Mary came to know Jesus as her Savior and was baptized in Jesus Name and filled with the Holy Ghost. Mary was a member of Refuge Temple in Jacksonville, FL. She later became a member of Epicenter of Worship Church, upon her move to Lansing, Michigan seven years ago.
Mary was a prayer warrior and a praiser. Mary had an unyielding faith, she was a giver and she loved people. Mary had a passion for congregational songs such as "I'll Fly Away" and "I Love to Praise Him". Mary would often give of herself, her time and her resources to help others. She also would gladly and willingly give Godly counsel.
Mary Ann enjoyed reading, art, and abstract design. She was passionate about praise and worship music. All who knew her will miss Mary's infectious smile, rare sense of humor and inner strength.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by Ulysses Holland (divorced), parents, Eddie & Gracie Howard, grandmother, Ella Lula Smith, stepson, Wayne Holland, sister, Gracie Lee Thompson, eight brothers, Eddie Jr., Leonard, Theodore, Jeffery Howard, James Anderson, Christy, Paul and Gus Culpepper, one aunt, Isabella Howard, one uncle James Frost, father-in-law, Isaac Holland, mother-in-law, Isabella Holland and sister-in-law, Lillian Walters.
She leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Tia Mobley (Larry) of Jacksonville, Florida; one son, Sean Holland (Tayana) of Dewitt, Michigan; one stepson, Arnwell Holland; eight grandchildren, Gabrielle Holland, Sean II Holland, Andrew Holland, Angelica Holland, Derrick Keith, Lutalo Mobley, Cairo Mobley and Liana Maryann Mobley; three sisters, Eddie Lee Cole, Lillian Janet Walters and Ella Howard; three brothers, Jimmy, Bennie and Kenny Howard; many nieces and nephews; three sisters-in-law, Mae and Jeng Howard and Barbara Holland; three brothers-in-law, Ralph Walters, Bradley Thompson and Calvin Holland.
Visitation: Date/Time: Saturday, June 28, 2014 - 10:00 A.M. until time of serviceLocation: Tabernacle of David Worship CenterAddress: 2645 W. Holmes Rd.City/State: Lansing, MichiganPhone: (517) 882-6866
Service Plans: Date/Time: Saturday, June 28, 2014 - 11:00 A.M.Location: Tabernacle of David Worship CenterAddress: 2645 W. Holmes Rd.City/State: Lansing, MichiganPhone: (517) 882-6866Officiating : Pastor Larry Trice