Elsie S Holliday

Elsie Claire Scofield Hunter Holliday

September 7, 1927-November 16, 2025 (age 98)

Elsie Claire Scofield Hunter Holliday, 98, passed away on November 16, 2025, at Solaris Healthcare of Lake City, FL. Born on September 7, 1927, in Lake City, she was the youngest of four daughters to Walter Franklin Scofield and Lonnie Elsie Owens Scofield. Elsie lived all her life in Lake City attending public schools and graduating from Columbia High School in 1945. To further her education and prepare for her future career, she attended Jones Business School in Jacksonville. Elsie was a descendant of two of Columbia County's distinguished "Pioneer Families", the Roberts and Owens families. She was the last remaining great granddaughter of William J. and Harriet Green Owens and the last grandchild of George and Lilly Roberts Owens.

In November 1947, Elsie married John Bartley Hunter, Jr. (J.B.). Elsie was employed at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Lake City, from 1946 to 1951 when she resigned to help run the family business: Hunter Motor Company and Service Station. Following J.B.'s death in 1974, Elsie continued to operate the business until 1982. In August 1983, Elsie married long-time friend, Eustace Butler Holliday. During their marriage they enjoyed traveling and camping across the USA with her sister Mable and Ken Wolford and friends, Red and Irene Porter. After two short years, Eustace became ill and passed away in November 1986.

Elsie was a faithful member of Pine Grove Baptist Church where she served many years as Music Director, Sunday School teacher in the children's department, and GA and Acteens leader. She also served as Director of the Woman's Missionary Union in her church as well as WMU Director for the Beulah Baptist Association working with churches across the region.

In 1987, Elsie became a volunteer at The Christian Service Center of Columbia County. She served in many capacities: Secretary for the Board of Directors, Treasurer, and as Director for two of the 31 years she was there. She continued to serve as a volunteer until her health forced her retirement in 2018. She resided at Willowbrook Assisted Living in Lake City for over ten years before moving to Solaris Healthcare Lake City in 2024 where she made many friends. She enjoyed participating in every one of the activities offered daily but she was especially delighted with BINGO, Bible studies, and listening to the Whistler's gospel band and 'Elvis' when they visited. She loved all those who cared for her and helped her live her life to the fullest every day. They often commented on how her sweet smile and kind words made their own day better. Elsie's family would like to give special thanks to the nurses and staff at Solaris Healthcare and Willowbrook for their ever-present thoughtfulness and compassion.

Elsie was preceded in death by her husbands, parents, and beloved sisters and brothers-in-law: Benita Scofield Markham (Nolan), Delita Scofield Nye (Don), and Mable Scofield Wolford (Kenneth), all of Lake City; nieces and nephews: Thomas George (Toby) Markham, Lake City, Walter Leroy (Sonny) Perry and Nancy Perry Rech of Miami Springs, FL, William Raiford Hunter (Evelyn, decd.), Live Oak, and Barbara Ann Hunter Thomas (James, decd.), Lake City. She is survived by special nieces and a nephew: Linda Markham Baker (Richard), Manitou Springs, CO, Jeanne Kang Markham (Toby, decd.), Lake City, Lucy Wolford Warlick (Tom), Clover, SC, Craig Wolford (Dee), Lake City, Kellie Wolford Roberts, High Springs, FL, Sara Hunter Corbisiero (Joey Padgett), Fernandina Beach, FL, Nella Mae Holliday Richardson, and 'like a niece', Donna Anglin Braden (David), both of Lake City, FL, and by special great nieces and a nephew: Lauren Markham Lloyd (Gene), Alexandria, VA, Cheryl Markham Ward (Nathanial), Arlington, TX, Greg Baker (Mary), Cascade, CO, Eden Baker Bullock, Keller, TX, Erin Ulmer Mohr (Anthony, decd.), Paris, France, Deborah Thomas Sickmon (Paul), Tampa, FL, and Aimee Hunter Cadle (Ronnie), Lake City. She is also survived by many more family members, including a host of other nieces and nephews, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd, 11:00am, at Pine Grove Baptist Church, 1989 North US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL 32055, with Reverand James Roberts officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation at the church beginning at 10:00am prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in the memory of Elsie S. Holliday to the Christian Service Center of Columbia County, Inc. (www.cscofcc.org), 421 NW Washington Street, Lake City, FL 32055 or to Pine Grove Baptist Church, PO Box 2138, Lake City, FL 32056-2138.