Octavine Holland

HOLLAND, Mrs. Octavine - Age 83, made her transition, Thursday, January 21, 2010 at Avalon Hospice. Family hour 10:30AM Saturday, January 30, 2010 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1811 Seymour Ave., with funeral service commencing at 11AM. Interment New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, G-4142 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:30AM Saturday. Mrs. Holland will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 1-8PM Friday, with Delta Sigma Theta Ceremony from 6-7PM. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Christ the King Catholic Church in honor of Mrs. Octavine Holland. Mrs. Octavine Gwendolyn (Mitchell) Holland was born March 9, 1926 in Cottageville, South Carolina, she was the eighth and youngest child of John W. and Zelpha (Harleston) Mitchell. Octavine was known to her friends and family as “Bobie.” “Bobie” received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from South Carolina State College and her Master of Science degree in Social Work from Atlanta University. Her career in the field of social work began in Seattle, Washington, where she worked at Catholic Social Service. “Bobie” was an advocate for children and provided support to foster children and their adoptive families. In 1954, Octavine married Charles Robert Holland of York, PA, and in 1956 they embarked upon a new life together in Flint, Michigan. “Bobie” always loved music and at an early age developed an interest in the piano. She later participated in several musical events at South Carolina State College. Being musically talented, she composed the lyrics and music to a song entitled “You Left with the Keys to my Heart.” “Bobie” became the first black social worker to be hired by Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, formerly Catholic Social Services of Flint, Michigan, where she continued her child advocacy. Due to “Bobie’s” dedication and facilitation of adoption services in Genesee County, the adoption of black children in need of caring families increased substantially. She also provided supervision to numerous college students who benefited from her guidance and professionalism to complete the required practicum in the field of social work. “Bobie” retired from Catholic Charities in 1983 after 27 years of service. Serving as a devout church member of Christ the King Roman Catholic Church for over fifty years brought “Bobie” great joy and peace throughout her residence in Flint. She participated in numerous leadership roles which included: serving as Grand Lady of Ladies Auxiliary Court #90 and continued her membership thereafter. She also was elevated to 4th Degree Chapter #11 of the Ladies of Grace in Detroit, MI. In response to a church need for choir robes, “Bobie” organized a successful fundraiser selling countless orders of her popular gumbo dish. She enjoyed fellowship at church and looked forward to working at the canteen during Christ the King’s Annual African American Festival. “Bobie” was passionate in her community service role as member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority-Flint Chapter. She pledged with Delta Sigma Theta in 1943 while attending college and later served as President of the Flint Chapter in 1959-60. “Bobie” also served as chairman of the sorority’s annual Ebony Fashion Fair, a college scholarship fund-raiser for young women in their junior or senior year of high school. Mrs. Octavine Gwendolyn (Mitchell) Holland leaves to cherish her memories: daughter, Laurie Holland of Flint; grandchildren, Aurora Holland Tom-Quinn of Chicago, IL, Sonsat Holland Tom-Quinn of Flint, Glendaline Ware of Sacramento, CA, and Jervon Ware of Grand Blanc, MI; great-grandchildren, Taiwan and Myanah Jones, both of Sacramento, CA, Jaylon Ware of Flint and Xavier Ware of Grand Blanc, MI; nieces, Doris Brown of Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Sylvia Gale of North Charleston, SC; Gwendolyn George of Decatur, GA; Annette Johnson of Cottageville, SC, Alees Mitchell of Springfield, MA, Evelyn Redcross of Philadelphia, PA and Geneice Williams of Chicago, IL; nephews, Clarence Mitchell of Springfield, MA, Dr. Thomas W. Mitchell of Melbourne, FL and Joseph Rutledge Tillman of Orangeburg, SC; a host of other relatives and dear friends. Mrs. Holland was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Robert Holland; daughter, Teri Holland Ware; and parents, John W. and Zelpha (Harleston) Mitchell. The family would like to express special thanks to: the staff of Avalon Hospice, Dr. Elmahdi Saeed, Dr. Samuel Dismond, Sister Joanne Fedewa, Mona Dawson, Mathilda and Joseph Rowlery, Pat Stokes and Mrs. Eva Brown. .

Octavine Holland

March 9, 1926 - January 20, 2010