WILHELMINA "Billie" HOLLADAY

1922 - 2021

HOLLADAY WILHELMINA COLE HOLLADAY "Billie" Wilhelmina "Billie" Cole Holladay, who founded the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), the first and only museum solely dedicated to championing women through the arts, died peacefully at home, on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at the age of 98 in Washington, D.C. Holladay was born on October 10, 1922, in Elmira, N.Y. She developed an early appreciation of art from her maternal grandmother, but it was with her husband, Wally and against tremendous odds and with dedication, drive and a singular vision, that the Holladays created a museum to help alleviate the underrepresentation of women artists in museums and galleries worldwide. In addition to serving as the museum's chair of the board, Holladay was active in many other ventures, serving on the boards of the National Women's Economic Alliance, the Adams National Bank, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the World Service Council of the YWCA, the American Academy in Rome, the United States Capitol Historical Society, the National Gallery of Art's Collector's Committee and the International Women's Forum. In recognition of her service, Holladay received the National Medal of Arts in 2006 from President George W. Bush. That same year she was awarded the Légion d'honneur by the French Government. A diplomatic order was also bestowed from Norway. She was regularly listed as one of the most powerful women in Washington, D.C, and received a lifetime achievement award from the District of Columbia. Among Holladay's other awards for her service to women include induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame, a lifetime achievement award from the Women's Caucus for Art, the Women Who Make a Difference Award from the International Women's Forum and the Distinguished Achievement Award from the National League of American Pen Women. She received honorary doctorate degrees from four colleges. Holladay was predeceased by a son, Scott Cole Holladay and her husband, Wallace F. Holladay. She is survived by a son, Wallace F. "Hap" Holladay, Jr. (Winton); four grandchildren, Brook Holladay Peters (Brian), Jessie Holladay Sterchi (Louis), Fitz Holladay and Addison Holladay (Eliza); and nine great-grandchildren. Due to Covid restrictions, a celebration of life will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions may be made to the National Museum of Women in the Arts.Due to Covid restrictions, a celebration of life will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions may be made to the National Museum of Women in the Arts.