Mrs. Johnnie Mae Holley

On Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 12:45 p.m., the Lord called JOHNNIE MAE HOLLEY to her eternal rest. Johnnie, affectionately known as “MaMa” was born on May 14, 1939 in Bertie County, NC to the late Jessie Mae Mabray and John Stewart. Johnnie was educated in the Bertie County, NC school system. On December 13, 1957 she married James L. Holley Sr. and moved to Baltimore, MD. Johnnie started her career as a Dietician at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She was later promoted to Managing Dietician of Food Services at Towson State University. Johnnie was a provider and a hard worker; she always made sure her family did not go without! MaMa knew if she didn't work her family would not have; therefore, she showed up for work in rain, sleet or snow. She even went to work after suffering a major stroke in 2010. She never lost the will to work but was forced to retire because of illness. Johnnie was a “Master Chef” and if you ever ate any of her food you would understand why! Cooking was not only her passion but her gift! Her family and friends would give her an honorary Doctorate in Culinary Arts because of her minced BBQ and her soul food dinners. She was known for her sense of humor and quick wit. She loved fashionable clothes and accessories and took pride in her appearance; she was our Diva. She was proud to have so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly. If you had a conversation with her she would always bring them up. Johnnie was a strong and astonishing woman who had a strong faith in God. She was a loyal, loving, devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and faithful member of Shiloh Christian Community Church. Johnnie was loved very much by all who knew her. The one thing people loved the most about her, was that she was direct and spoke her mind. She was always willing to help whomever needed it, never too busy to listen and always willing to feed anyone. She had an abundance of blessings and shared them with everyone. She had many sayings and a couple of her favorite sayings were; “Y’all gonna listen to me one day, keep livin” and "I call a spade a spade." Johnnie Mae (MaMa) will be missed more than words can say. Johnnie is survived by: her eight children, Vincent L. Stewart, Beverly D. Windley (Rev. Frederick C.), Cheryl G. Nelson (Paul), Regina G. Holley, Jamice L. Holley, James L. Holley Jr., Kathy M. Holley, Rev. Earl V. Kutcherman Jr. (Michelle); one sister, Emma Mills; one aunt, Lorri Alice Ruffin; seventeen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

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Mrs. Johnnie Mae Holley

May 14, 1939 - December 27, 2016