Lady Nelcena J. Holliway

Lady Nelcena Juanita Holliway was born on November 3, 1952 in Elberton, Georgia to the late Harvey and Isabelle Sims. She peacefully transitioned in her home on February 9, 2026 in Villa Rica, Georgia.

From a young age, Lady Nelcena knew she wanted to be a teacher, and that dream became a reality in 1980. She faithfully dedicated 32 years of service to the field of elementary education, primarily as a teacher at A.F. Herndon Elementary School.

Lady Nelcena was a graduate of Blackwell High School, where she graduated third in her class, was crowned Ms. Blackwell High, and earned "Rookie of the Year" honors in basketball. She also was a proud alumna of Fort Valley State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1974. During her time there, she was honored as "Ms. Football" and "Ms. African Society." In 1977, she earned a Master of Science in Counseling and later obtained a certification in Educational Leadership from the University of West Georgia.

Beyond her educational accomplishments and pursuits, Lady Nelcena had a passion for writing poetry and expressing her heart through words. She also loved fashion and owned several suits with matching hats. She was a woman of faith, boldness, intelligence, creativity, and strength. She also had a fun-loving and outgoing personality that brought warmth, laughter, and light to everyone around her.

Her faith was central to who she was. Lady Nelcena was a devoted and longtime member of A Place of Destiny (formerly known as Fountain of Praise) in Atlanta, Georgia, where she served under the leadership of Apostle G.A. Bryant. She later became a member of Shield of Faith Worship Center in Carrollton, Georgia, where her husband, Bishop Holliway, serves as Pastor. She loved the Lord with all her heart and demonstrated this through her service, compassion, and encouragement to others.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted husband of 40 years, Sanford N. Holliway Jr.; four children, Nina Holliway, Rachea Holliway, Charmaine Lewis, and Demelash Mekuria; and four grandchildren, DeShaun, James, Trinity, and Noah. She is also survived by her siblings, Betty Harper, Delores Beavers, and Michael (Priscilla) Sims; her Aunt Ruby Richardson; her Uncle Harold (Geneva) Sims; her beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins; along with a host of dear church family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Harvey Sims Jr. and James Sims.

Lady Nelcena's legacy lives on in the countless students she nurtured, the family she cherished, and the faith she embodied. Her life was one of purpose fulfilled, love generously given, and impact that will live on for generations to come.