It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Ada Holland, of 1643 Colby Dr, Forest and formally of 721 Jasper Wood Rd, Hurt, who departed this life peacefully on February 26, 2025, at the age of 97. Blessed with a long life, Ada was the last surviving member of her generation.

Born on 25 July 1927, in Pilot, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late James Hampton Gray and Mary Ruth Heninger Gray. She was the wife of the late Marvin K. Holland, Sr. She married Marvin on 22 June 1945, and together they built a loving home filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories.

Together, they were the proprietors of Altavista Memorial Park until their retirement in 1996.

She was also a very proud graduate of Jefferson High School in Roanoke, Virginia.

Ada Katharine led a life defined by purpose, practicality, and unwavering faith. Her devotion to her family, friends, and neighbors was a testament to her generous spirit and boundless love. Raised in Pilot, VA, Kimball, VA, Grundy, VA and Roanoke, VA, she grew up with strong values and a steadfast belief in the power of community and faith.

Ada was a pillar of strength and an inspiration to all who knew her. She was deeply committed to her faith, finding solace and guidance in her religious beliefs throughout her life. Her faith was not just a personal conviction but a beacon of hope and love that she shared with everyone around her. Her practical wisdom and nurturing presence were felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Throughout her life, Ada was known for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering support for her friends and neighbors. She was always ready with a helping hand, a comforting word, or a listening ear. Her legacy of love and service to others will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to be touched by her presence.

In her later years, Ada remained active and engaged, leaving a lasting impact on her community and church.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Maxine Kestner. She is survived by her daughter, Marva K. Forkner and her husband, Phillip of Richmond, her son, Marvin K. Holland, Jr and wife, Carrie of Tucson, AZ and daughter Lynne H. Barrett and her husband, William of Forest. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren; Paul Forkner, Richard Hogan and wife, Amber, Nicholas Hogan, Gail Roth and husband, Tony, Matthew Holland, William Barrett, IV, Anthony Barrett and Victoria Barrett; seven great-grandchildren; Jayden Hogan, Jordynn Hogan, Liam Hogan, Oliver Roth, Nora Hogan, Naomi Hogan, and Rosalee Barrett. She is also survived by one sister, Donna Ruth Gray Boyd of Columbus, OH as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ada was a devoted grandmother. Her grandchildren will forever cherish the countless hours spent with Nana going on picnics at the park, attending their school events, a visit to the library, a train excursion to Washington, D.C. or a trip to Mill Mountain Zoo. She was always there for them.

The family thanks the staff of Runk and Pratt, Willow Ridge, for their loving care they provided for Ada over the past 6 months and two special home care providers, Karen Morris, and Ellen Irving from Care Advantage.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Graveside service officiated by her nephew, Henry Holland will be at Noon, Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Mountain View Cemetery in Boones Mill, Franklin County with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, The Gideons or any local humane society.

May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who loved her.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.