SUFFOLK - Wilbur Holland, Jr, Tamia Holland, and Torian Lewis  join other family members in acknowledging with profound  sorrow the passing of their beloved wife and  mother, Ethel Laverne Holland on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.  She was born in Southampton County to the late Phillip R. Joyner, Sr. and Ethel L.  Hill Joyner.

Mrs. Holland  graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1970 and  received her degree in Applied Science from Tidewater Community College in 1974.  She also attended  Virginia University of Lynchburg School of Religion and received the Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies in 2005 and, at the time of her death, was studying for  her Masters of Divinity Degree.  She was employed by the Suffolk Health Department for 32 years.

She was a  faithful  and dedicated member of First Baptist Church, Mahan Street.   She served on the Trustee Ministry, and was past chairperson, Senior Usher Ministry, Board of Christian Education, Sunday School Teacher, Bereavement Ministry, Membership Committee, past member of the Mothers Club, and vice chairperson of the Pastor Search Committee.   She also served on several community organizations Health and Human Services, Car Seat Instructor, and  outreach worker.

Her love for her family, church, and community and her gentle and kind nature blessed the lives of all who knew her and memories of her will be cherished by  her devoted husband,  Wilbur Holland, Jr.; her two daughters, Tamia Holland of Chesapeake and Torian Lewis (Tony) of Norfolk;  sister, Gloria Jean Rutledge of Clinton, MD;  brothers, Benjamin Kelly Joyner of Suffolk and Phillip R. Joyner, Jr. (Bessie) of Hethzibah, GA; and  grandchildren, Brionda Lewis, Talia Copeland, and Isyss Lewis.

Fond memories of her will also be cherished by many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends, including special friends, Alice Graves, Rose Davis,  Linda Mason, and Ellen Gary.

A  service to celebrate her life will be held at 12:00 noon Monday, April 7, 2008 at First Baptist Church, Mahan Street by The Reverend Steven G. Blunt. Interment will be in the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Crocker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.