Legacy of Life of a Phenomenal Woman

Remembering Mrs. Shirley Brown Holloman

A Time to Be Born

The Queen Has Arrived

Shirley B. Holloman was born on April 29, 1935 in Thomasville N.C. to the late Henry Brown and Maebell Brown Hegwood. At an early age, Shirley moved to Newport News, Virginia.  Later, her father married Doris Brown and they had five children, making her the oldest sibling. Shirle y also loved spending precious moments with her Step-Father, Robert Hegwood. Shirley was destined to lead with purpose. She used her voice to overcome various obstacles; she was known to stand her ground while advocating for what she believed. Growing up with her parents and grandparents (the late Felix and Ida Brown) and with limited   resources, she was determined to change the world.

A Time to Love

Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, and Friend

On November 17, 1959, Shirley Mae Brown married the love of her life, Thomas Edward Holloman, Sr. From this union they were blessed with two children: Thomas Edward Jr. and Felicia Shirl. Their blessing continued with five amazing grandchildren: Thomas, III, Jullian, Maya, Madison, and McKenzie. She adored her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family, friends and church family. Over the years, this strong and loving bond she created with love ones was unbreakable. Shirle y was a counselor, accountability holder, prayer partner, as she offered advice and support to anyone in need. Shirley will no doubt love to be remembered for her honesty, integrity, empathy and spirituality.

A Time to Learn. A Time to Harvest

Scholar, Nurse, Educator

Shirley attended Booker T. Washington Elementary School and later moved to Manning, South Carolina, where she completed grades 4 through 12, at Manning Training School, graduating in 1952. She attended Hampton Institute (currently Hampton University), and later attended The Norfolk Division of Virginia State College, where she graduated from Nursing School. Shirley worked for Dixie Hospital in Hampton, Virginia as a nurse for a short period of time. Shirley later returned to what is now known as Norfolk State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Sensing that God had a greater calling on her life, Shirley continued to seek God's guidance for her next assignment. She worked as an educator in the Newport News Public School System for twenty-five years. During these dedicated years of service, she had an impeccable work ethic; she always made sure that she demonstrated excellence for her community of learners.

A Time of Salvation

Deacon, Deaconess, and Church Worker

Shirley accepted Christ at an early age. She was a faithful member of Abyssinia Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church East End. At Abyssinia, she held the distinction of being ordained as a Deacon. She founded and co-directed the H.R. Maynor Young Adult Choir. Shirley was instrumental in the production and recording of the choir's first 45-rpm record. She was a faithful servant teaching Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School.  As member of First Baptist Church East End, Shirley was a member with the AREA H Chapter of Missionaries and former 1 ^st Vice President. Her work as a Missionary extended over fifty-years. As a Missionary, she served in many capacities including secretary, President and dedicated member. Whether or not she was holding office within the Missionaries, Shirley always went the extra mile to ensure that she was supporting her church family and the East End Community. Shirley's dedication to Missionary service and outreach included:  outreach through providing chapel services and counsel to Goochland Women's Prison; helping children without families to connect with the BGC children's home shelter and support; collecting and sending clothing to domestic violence home in Hampton, Va.;  working with Downing Gross Cultural Arts Center and outreach to provide resources to pregnant teens to assist with encouragement, doctor follow-ups to both mothers and babies; providing Stork's Nest at Hampton Roads Boys Club with diapers, clothes, blankets and baby supplies to new mothers.  During a time when the missionaries of FBCEE had been less active in the community and AREA H, Shirley worked tirelessly to revitalize the Missionaries to ensure active and continued participation in missions, Missionary protocol, training, and next generations of Missionaries. She ensured active participation and representation of AREA H even when no one else was available to attend. Shirley was named Missionary of the Year at First Baptist Church East End, an honor that she treasured.  In addition, she was a faithful member of the League of Christian Women Ministry and continued to support its programs until her health began to decline.

A Time to Play

Vibrant Community Socialite

Shirley had an angelic voice. She was full of life, a giver to many, and a pillar in her community. Her presence brought a radiant ray of sunshine and elegance. She loved fashion, travel, family gatherings, and cooking. The laughter she brought when she entered the room was a breath of fresh air. She was a lovable, vibrant, humorous storyteller. Shirley was a member of Newport News Education Association (former Vice President), Chairman of Fitz Turner Promontory, Black Women in Education and Politics, Alpha Beta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (President and Vice President), Bell Street Civic Club, Lifetime member of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Fifty Plus Club, The Sassy Reviewers Club, Silhouette Club-Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and Zeta of the Year-Panhellenic.

A Time to Rest

Faithful Servant

Surrounded by her family and dear friends, on Sunday April 2, 2023, God called his beloved servant Shirley Mae Brown Holloman home to be with her Lord and Savior. She had fought her fight, finished her course, and kept the faith.

A Time to Mourn

Lasting Love to Cherish

She bequeaths a lasting legacy and firm foundation.  Relatives proceeding her journey include: her mother and father, Maebell Brown Hegwood and Henry Brown; paternal grandparents, Ida and Felix Brown; maternal grandparents, Morris and Janette Gibson; and brother Michael Brown.

Left to cherish her fond memories are her husband of sixty-four years, Thomas Edward Holloman, Sr.; son, Thomas Edward Holloman, Jr. (Lynn); daughter, Felicia Holloman-Jones (Keith); grandchildren, Thomas Edward Holloman, III, Jullian Ahkeem Holloman, Maya Keiarra-Shirl Jones, Madison Keith Jones, and McKenzie Blake Jones; siblings, Henry Brown, Jr. (Linda), Nathaniel Brown, Robert Brown, and Lisa Ball; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, 12:00 noon at O.H. Smith and Son Funeral Home. The viewing will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 3:00pm - 6:00 pm. Zeta service will take place at 5:00 pm. Shirley Mae Brown Holloman's final resting place will be Hampton Memorial Gardens, 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, Va. 23666.

O.H. Smith and Son Funeral Home is Honored to Serve the Family of Shirley B. Holloman.