Josie Lucille Holland age 92 passed away at 11:55pm Saturday March 27, 2010 at her residence in Bayview Gardens, E. Peoria surrounded by her loving family. She was born
July 23, 1917 in Greenville, AR, to Jasper and Dalia (Harwood) Ray. She married Orville E. Greer on Dec.5, 1933 in Missouri. She later married Walter O. Holland Sept. 12, 1953 in Peoria, IL, he preceded her in death on May 19, 1998. She was also preceded in death by her parents, 1 daughter, 4 brothers, 3 grandsons and 2 great grandchildren.
Surviving are her children Ernest (Mary) Greer of Metamora, Velva (Ed) Ballard and Daily (Gail) Wilson both of Bayview Gardens. Melva Greer of Las Vegas NV. Two Step sons Sonny (Glenda) Holland and Harold Holland both of Florida. 15 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren. 3 sisters Emma Cooper of Kelso MO, Maxine (Verdell) Owens of Godfrey, IL, and Bonnie Grounds of Bernie MO, and many nieces and nephews.
Josie worked at Bemis Brothers Bag Company until retiring Oct. 31, 1977. Then she worked at Middletons and Mels Red Fox Store in Bayview Gardens for several years.
Josie enjoyed fishing, camping, quilting, gardening, flowers and especially spending her time with her family. Josie overcame many tragedies, obstacles and illnesses in her life. However, her faith in God and loving family gave her the courage to carry on. For those who knew and loved her understood her strength and determination for life. Josie spent the last few months of her life enjoying time with her family and loving caregiver her sister Bonnie Grounds.
Services will be at 11:00am Wednesday March 31, 2010 at the Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel. Rev. Steve Weber officiating. Visitation will be from 4pm until 8pm Tuesday March 30, 2010 at the Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel. Burial will be in Spring Bay Cemetery . In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to St. Jude Childrens Hospital in memory of Dax Locke. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com