Martha Lou Brown Holland

Martha Lou Gholson Brown Holland passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 24, 2025. She was surrounded by loved ones. Martha Lou loved playing and listening to old hymns and instrumental piano. She was well-versed in genealogy research and even wrote a book about her Gholson ancestors. She loved history. She was a food connoisseur and loved going out to eat. She collected over 100 Beanie babies and Santas. She loved Christmas! Visitation will be Monday, April 28, 2025 from 6-8 PM at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, Waco Texas.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 10 AM at Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Robinson with burial immediately following at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco, Texas.

Martha Lou was born in Marlin, Texas on July 30, 1938 to George T. Gholson and Elizabeth Latimer Gholson. She was active in band and student council while in high school. She married Mabry Lewis Brown on August 20, 1954 in Marlin, Texas at her parents’ home. They were married for 35 years until his death in 1989. She then married Fred Holland in October, 1990. They were married for 32 years.

She attended Baylor University for advanced classes. She received her Associates Degree from McLennan Community College.

Martha Lou was a lifetime member of the Daughters of the Nile, where she was a past queen and a 50 year plus member. She was a member of McLennan Chapter No. 639 Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a member of the Elizabeth Gordon Bradley National Society of the American Revolution (DAR). She was a member of Meadowbrook Baptist for over 50 years. She was the organist, in the choir and in a Sunday class.

Martha Lou worked for various credit unions and banks in Marlin and Mexia. She then moved to Waco and worked at Parker E. Ressler, CPA; Bayly Corporation; Manley and CO. and was also an accountant for Raytheon/CTAS, from which she retired. After retirement, she was an advocate for the elderly and guardianship at Friends for Life and attorneys in Temple, TX.

Martha Lou was preceded in death by her parents, George and Elizabeth Gholson, spouses Mabry Lewis Brown and Fred Holland.

She is survived by her children: Jimmy Brown and wife, Becky; Cynthia Owen and husband, Dell; and Diane Rogers and husband, James (Red). Grandchildren: Aaron Schnizer and fiancé, Melissa; Therese Kurtz and spouse, Kerry; Andy Schnizer and spouse, Allison; Justin Sanderson and spouse, Leslie; Danny Brown and spouse, Emily; Jennifer Oliver and spouse, JR; Jessica Hinton and spouse, Joel; Tara Payne and spouse, Kevin; and Melissa Rogers. Great- Grandchildren: Brynn and Kyle Schnizer; Kaden and Carter Kurtz, Kaylee King and spouse, Jake, Kenzi Gassaway and spouse, Darren, Kinley Schnizer, Scarlett Battles, Addy, Evan and Mazzie Black, Wyatt, Jett and River Schnizer; Hattie, Harper, Hunter and Hollis Sanderson; Jacob, Josh, and Mason Brown; Jewl, Kimberlyn and Kannon Oliver; Sawyer, Peyton, Landry, Mabry and Delaney Hinton, and Addyson, Addilynn, and Annzley Payne. Great great-grandchildren: Blaze, Jase, and Hadley King. She is also survived by her brother John Thomas Gholson, Sr. and spouse, Becky; nephew John Thomas Gholson, Jr, and spouse, Jenny; and niece Beth Roth and spouse, Randy; as well as several nieces and nephew, and many friends.

We would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Wesley Woods Rehabilitation and Healthcare. Mom loved these people, and they took amazing care of her. We also want to thank the beautiful friends she made while at Wesley Woods. In addition, we would like to thank Amedisys Home Healthcare Services, who took wonderful care of her during her transition.

Memorials may be made to Meadowbrook Baptist Church at 1207 N. Old Robinson Rd., Waco, Texas 76706.