Norma Jean Holland

Norma Steele Holland passed away peacefully on the evening of July 22, 2024, at Piedmont Medical Centre in Rock Hill, SC, after a courageous two-year battle with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Born on July 11, 1949, in Gastonia, NC, she was the beloved daughter of Wylie Clarence Steele and Juanita Bumgardner Steele.
Norma is survived by her sister-in-law Beth Simmons Steele, wife of her late brother Donald Richard Steele; sister-in-law Cathey Holland Heffner, wife of her late brother-in-law Paul Heffner; and brother-in-law Clyde Allen Holland. Affectionately known as Norma Jean by her numerous aunts, uncles, and over fifty cousins. Norma Jean took great pride in having nine double first cousins and loved all her cousins equally. She was deeply cherished by her family and many of them relied on her for family information.
On June 16, 1968, Norma married Alvin Holland. The first three years of their marriage were spent in Panama, where Alvin was stationed with the Army. In 1972, they returned to the United States and settled on 25 acres of family land in Filbert, SC. Together, they built Holland Plumbing, with Norma playing an integral role in the business. Known as "Plumber Norma," she proudly held her own plumbing license and was frequently seen on job sites and running errands for the company. They had 52 years of marriage and were partners in faith and life.
Norma was renowned for her kindness and open heart, always ready to help others. Her strong Christian faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she trusted in Jesus to care for her and her family. She was an active member of her church community and deeply involved in her children's and grandchildren's activities. In her active years, Norma enjoyed cross-stitching, playing volleyball and first base on softball teams. Later in life she enjoyed collecting cookbooks, cake plates, and salt and pepper shakers. Mom knew everybody and she frequently ran into acquaintances and friends when she was out and about. Consider yourself lucky if you had a home cooked meal where every dinner had a fresh pan of homemade biscuits.
Norma will be dearly missed by her daughter Heather Templeton, her son-in-law David Templeton, and their twins Ella and Sam; her son Zach Holland, her daughter-in-law Melissa Holland, and their three children Cullen, Sawyer, and Aspen. She will also be remembered fondly by the many children she adopted and loved throughout her life. One of her favourite children's songs was "This Little Light of Mine". Norma's light shone bright and she spread it to everyone she met.
A celebration of Norma's life will be held on August 10th at 10:00 AM at Southminster Church in Gastonia, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Mission Fund at Southminster Church, Gastonia, NC, which sponsors schools and scholarships in Malawi and Guatemala. https://southminster.churchcenter.com/giving Cards can be sent to the family at P.O Box 765, York, SC 29745.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brattonfuneralhome.com.
Bratton Funeral Home of York, SC is serving the Holland family.
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