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Barbara Holliman
1961 - 2019
Barbara Holliman
1961 - 2019
Obituary
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Barbara Holliman Obituary
Dr. Barbara Holliman, of Houston, TX departed this earthly life after a short illness in Memorial Hermann Hospital, The Woodlands. She was born September 1, 1961 in Rockford, IL the daughter of Elbert and Dorothy Holliman. She married Lesa Haynes. Barbara attend Rockford Public schools then received a B.A. from National Lewis University, Masters from the University of Phoenix, and her P.H.D from Argosy University she was last employed at Florida Career College and was the first African American President of Rockford Business College known now as Rockford Career College. She was awarded the Key to the City in Nashville, TN, awarded a Proclamation of Excellence at the Everest Institute in Atlanta, GA. In 2014 she became an ordained minister who was a champion in Prison Ministry in Tulsa, OK and Birmingham, AL
Barbara leaves to cherish many loving memories: wife, Lesa Haynes-Holliman; mother, Dorothy Holliman; brother, Rev. Elbert Holliman Jr.;
sisters, Deborah (Roudell) Kirkwood and Mona Lisa George; nieces, Carmen Holliman-Kirkwood and Cretia (Caliph) Rasul; nephews, Kelly (Lisa) Holliman, Joshua Kirkwood, and Darryl George Jr.; and a host of other relatives and friends. She is predeceased by her Father Elbert Holliman Sr., brother, Blaine Holliman, paternal grandparents Charlie Box and Essie Holliman-Box, maternal grandparents Manny Walker and Ruby Walker-Wilkins.
Services will be Friday January 25, 2019 11am at Ephesians Missionary Baptist Church 1112 Taylor St. with visitation from 9am to 11am. Burial in Sunset Memorial Garden. Arrangements by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Peggy Edwards
January 16, 2024
Time pass so fast. I will forever keep all of the memories we made in Nashville, Tennessee and Alabama.
So continue to rest my friend, you left a legacy by touching the lives of all of us. Every time I have a coke, I repeat your statement; "Have a coke and a smile."
RIP my friend.
Peggy Edwards
January 16, 2023
Everything I do I reflect back to you telling me, " You git this." Gone but, never forgotten. RIP my friend you left us better than before meeting you.
Christy Brooks
December 17, 2022
I am so sorry to hear this! I was looking her up to share with her the joy she brought to my life when I found the news of her passing. She was just an amazing soul and so inspiring. I worked for her in 2013. I'm sad that she will not know how greatly my short time with her has forever impacted my life. Much love to Lesa and the rest of her family.
Peggy Haynes Edwards
January 19, 2022
I can't believe it has been a year already. This lady changed my life by believing in me when I doubted myself and no one else would give me a chance.
She was the kindest, most compassionate and loving person with a heart of gold.
I will forever hold her dear to my heart and never forget Dr. Barbara Holliman. RIP Barbara, love you.
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Peggy Haynes Edwards
January 19, 2021
How can I say thanks, for the things you done for me, things so undeserved, but you did to prove your love for me. The voices of one million angels cannot express my gratitude, all that I am and every hope to be, I OWE IT ALL TO YOU. To God be the Glory. A piece of my heart will always have your name carved on it. Rest in peace my dear friend, your legacy will never be repeated and you will never be forgotten.
Theresa Parfaite-Bryant
August 24, 2020
My heart is heavy at the news of my friends passing at this late date. Barbara came into my life so many years ago and I am so BLESSED that she did. You were a beacon of light in my life and I’m so happy you took the time to mentor me. WOOOOO......Rest my Sista ...rest! Love you!
Peggy Edwards
August 18, 2020
My heart is so heavy and I am hurting so bad by learning the passing of my mentor and dearest friend. Mr. Dorsey gave me the news today that she passed in January of 2019.
What a change she made in my life. I will always hold her dear in my heart, and whatever I do from this point on it will be because she believed in me. RIH Barbara, see you later. Heaven gained an Angel.
President Barbara Holliman, words will not allow me to explain how much I will miss you.<br />You believed in me by appointing me your security director for "The Everest Institute" in Decatur Georgia.<br />You changed my life
Earl Seegars
August 25, 2019
Madam President Barbara Holliman,
One of the greatest chapters of my life was serving as your "Securiy Director at The Everest Institute of Decatur Georgia".
I watched you change many troubled lives into productive citizens.
For this Madam President you will never be forgotten
Jean Smith Troyke
February 4, 2019
Lesa. So sorry to learn of this. Hope you are coping. Very glad I got to see her before thus she will be forever in my mind as one of my greatest friends.
Mr Quick and myself will miss you very much Dr Holliman. WOOOOoooooo To YOU!
Brad Garrard
January 28, 2019
You were always a bright light in on our campus filling us all with love and motivation. The world is a lesser place without you. Heaven gained a rockstar of an Angel. I love you Dr. Holliman. Mr Quick sends his love as well.
Laureen Cahill
January 28, 2019
Blessings to you and your family and friends dear Barbara. You were a force to reckon with leaving joy and hope in your path. You helped to change so many lives. WOOO! RIP.
Zel Gladney-Coleman
January 26, 2019
Barbara was my first client when I started my business 25 years ago. She was a wonderful friend, full of life and so funny! I will miss you dearly My friend. To the Kirkwood family: I lost contact with you all but never forgot your kindness. My God comfort you in your time of need.
Patricia Cunningham
January 25, 2019
WOooooo to U Dr Holliman,
I will truly mis your wonderful spirit and loving heart. Pastor, God has truly blessed you and your ability to inspire so many people....you will truly be missed. On behalf of Dean Cunningham and the Fortis Family we love you and will miss you.
Ginneh Strickland
January 25, 2019
After all these years I still remember your nuggets of wisdom. You made quite an impact on this world. You will be missed.
Libra Mason
January 24, 2019
My deepest condolences to your family during this time of bereavement.
Kendrick Cunningham
January 24, 2019
We will miss you.
April Fontenot
January 24, 2019
It was a pleasure working with her while she was in Houston!!! I will miss her dearly, work will never be the same without her!!! Chocolate kisses to you baby!!!!
Steven Conway
January 24, 2019
Woooooo!
Steven Conway
January 24, 2019
Dr. Holliman-WOOOOOO! Thank you for your love of education..
Lorenzo Gunn
January 24, 2019
President Holliman, you left us much too soon. You made a great impact on our lives. We will miss you so much. You will always have a special place in our hearts.
Diane Horner
January 24, 2019
A bright light that lit this world like no other human being I have ever known has left us with an amazing legacy. Barbara's smile would light up a room. Everyone she met fell in love with her. Colleagues and professionals at events would often comment on how amazed they were with how she worked a room. There could be a hundred people at a Rotary or Chamber event and she didn't leave until she shook the hand of everyone she met. Barb once told me her goal in life was to leave everyone she met a little bit better than she found them. She did just that, whether it was through words of encouragement or something someone needed, she was there. She had a generous heart, no doubt. I have many memories, way too many to list, but am grateful for all of them. She changed my life in ways I cannot explain, but my life for certain was graced with everything she shared with me. I'll miss knowing she is out there changing lives, her most sincerest expression of love. She just wanted people to have opportunities. She could often be heard saying WOOOOOOO' to students or at events and she always said the WOO' stood for wonderful options and opportunities. That was who she was, and she presented countless people with just that, options and opportunities. She lived a big life, a great life, albeit too short, her example is one we should all live by. Quite simply, live to make this world a better place for others. Love to the family and friends, my heart and prayers are with you.
Virginia Ware
January 24, 2019
My condolences and prayers go out to Barbs family and friends. Barb was a good person to be around and she fought for change wherever she thought it should be. Eternal rest grant unto her oh lord and may perpetual light shine on her may she rest in peace, Amen.
Yvonne Harrison
January 24, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with the Holliman family at the time of bereavement . Fortis Family- Birmingham
Cathy Moss
January 24, 2019
I am at a loss for words. Dr. Holliman bought the 'WOO' to Everest Institute in Decatur, Ga. She helped formulate lasting work and personal relationships among her team. She was an awesome leader, mentor, and just overall person. I am truly saddened to hear of her passing. My prayers to her family and friends.
Bertina Stafford
January 24, 2019
Many prayers to all of the Family. Thanks so much for sharing her light with us...
Bertina S.
January 24, 2019
President Barbara Holliman, the best boss EVER! You are so loved and cherished by so many which speaks to your character. Your wisdom and leadership will be missed. Queen of the WOO (Wonderful Options and Opportunities- Everest Decatur). Love and Miss you FOREVER!
Bertina
Bertina Stafford
January 24, 2019
President Barbara Holliman, the best boss EVER! You are so loved and cherished by so many which speaks to your character. Your wisdom and leadership will be missed. Queen of the WOO (Wonderful Options and Opportunities- Everest Decatur). Love and Miss you FOREVER!
Bertina Cade Stafford
Jeanne Henderson
January 24, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Memories of a smile that would light up a room, and heartfelt hug that warm you from the inside out. She will be greatly missed , but also greatly remembered. May we continue her legacy in a way that brings her relentless encouragement and inspiration all our endeavors and interactions.
Cecilia McGee
January 24, 2019
~only peace...
Marilyn Long
January 24, 2019
I thank God for to have known Barbara Holliman. A very positive energectic person loved by many and an excellent employee. Praying for the family.
Marilyn Drew-Long
January 23, 2019
Greatest School President of Fortis Institute Birmingham Alabama
January 23, 2019
I would like to express my condolences to the family this lady help change my life in so many ways.
January 23, 2019
Rest in Peace Dear Barb. Susan Craig
Michelle Stubbs
January 23, 2019
Deepest sympathy to the family
Pastor Foote-Myles
January 23, 2019
Prayers for the family and friends of Barb for Such A Time As This. Know that their is one who sits high but yet looks low and healing is yet in His wings. He will comfort you during those midnight hours but rest assured daytime is coming and your burdens will be lifted and sweet memories shall be your portion in the name of Jesus, The Christ.
Gloria Smart
January 23, 2019
My prayers are with you and
January 23, 2019
I was so blessed to have known Barb, we had many great conversations while we worked together at Danaher (Pac Sci). My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Cindy Roy
Michele Alexander Campbell
January 23, 2019
Rest peacefully, Barbara. Such a sweet spirit even since she was a little girl. My sincere condolences go out to Barbara's family and friends.
Barb, Curtis, and Nancy Sylvester
Marcy Ceranek (Sylvester)
January 23, 2019
Barb at Halloween 2004
Marcy Ceranek (Sylvester)
January 23, 2019
Barb
Marcy Ceranek (Sylvester)
January 23, 2019
Barb and Jack
Marcy Ceranek (Sylvester)
January 23, 2019
Group from RBC with local business members
Marcy Ceranek (Sylvester)
January 23, 2019
Barb
Marcy Ceranek (Sylvester)
January 23, 2019
Donna Clarkin
January 23, 2019
My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and professional colleagues of Barbara Holliman. My thoughts and prayers are with you over the loss of Barbara.
Timothy Ponder
January 23, 2019
Rest In GODS Hands
Barbara could throw a party like know one I knew!
Diane Horner
January 23, 2019
Family was first and foremost for Barbara.
Diane Horner
January 23, 2019
Barbara's smile could light up any room she entered!
Diane Horner
January 23, 2019
Leadership & Family Day at Fortis
Veronica Harris
January 23, 2019
Leadership & Family Day at Fortis
Veronica Harris
January 23, 2019
A Graduation at Fortis
Veronica Harris
January 23, 2019
A Student Awards Day at Fortis
Veronica Harris
January 23, 2019
A Graduation at Fortis
Veronica Harris
January 23, 2019
Leadership & Family Day at Fortis
Veronica Harris
January 23, 2019
Leadership & Family Day at Fortis
Veronica Harris
January 23, 2019
Leadership & Christmas at Foris
Veronica Harris
January 23, 2019
Leadership & Christmas at Foris
Veronica Harris
January 23, 2019
Leadership & Family Day at Fortis
Veronica Harris
January 23, 2019
Leadership & Family Day at Fortis
Veronica Harris
January 23, 2019
Oct 31 at Fortis
Veronica Harris
January 23, 2019
Leadership & Family Day at Fortis
Veronica Harris
January 23, 2019
A Graduation at Fortis
Veronica Harris
January 23, 2019
Lisa Bacon
January 23, 2019
Barbara was the real deal with heart of gold. She changed thousands of lives for the better with her positive attitude, energy, knowledge and kindness. Those of us that had the opportunity to work with her knew her dedication to her staff and students. I will miss my dear friend very much, but I am so fortunate to have had her in my life. I am a better me because of Barbara. Rest in pease my friend ❤
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