Mary Elizabeth Hollis

Ms. Mary Elizabeth Hollis, age 66, of Dothan, Alabama passed away Saturday, May 16, 2020.

Due to Covid-19 and ADPH guide lines a walk thru visitation will be Sunday, May 24, 2020 from 4 PM to 6 PM at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, May 25, 2020 at 2 PM at Destiny Church, 1950 Reeves Street, Dothan, Alabama 36303.

Burial will immediately follow the service at Gates of Heaven Cemetery.

On April 19, 1954 a true star was born, little Miss Mary Elizabeth Streeter.  Mary was blessed to be raised by her parents Tressie and Chester Streeter, her biological father Wallace Bell, grandmother Mary Bell, who she lovingly referred to her as “Big Momma” and her Aunt Ila Chambers.
 

Before attending school she moved to Panama City with her mother Tressie and Chester Streeter who adopted her as his own. They went on to have four additional children who Mary acted as a second mother figure to. Mary was a 1972 graduate of Dothan High School.  She achieved many accomplishments during her time at Dothan High School.  Her Freshman class was the first class to integrate into the then all white high school.  Mary was crowned Miss Bronze, class favorite and senior beauty.

 After High School, she dated and later married Tommie Hollis on December 4, 1974.  Where, upon, Mary became a military wife.  This afforded Mary the opportunity to live in Virginia, Illinois, Georgia and New York.  To this union, three daughters were born: Tiffany, Teadrian and Tamina.  Mary was blessed with two additional daughters: Tonya and Nina Hollis.  As a couple, they enjoyed spending time with family, dancing and traveling.

Mary was a 4'11 powerhouse and a force to be reckoned with! In 1984, Mary attended the Police Academy in St. Mary's Georgia where she began her career in law enforcement.  With her short tenure there, she earned the rank of Master Patrol Officer with advanced certificates in Criminal Procedures, PR-24 Police Baton, Introximeter 3000, Radar, and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing.  Additionally, Mary was a designated Watch Commander and earned the following Departmental Awards and Citations; Meritorious Service Award, Honorable Service Award, Good Behavior Citation and Life Saving Medal. She continued her career at the Houston County Sheriff's Office for several years as a dispatcher.

For being well respected by her fellow professionals, dedicated wife and mother, and an asset to her community, Mary was the City of St. Mary's Georgia Employee of the Quarter, fourth quarter October - December of 1989.  Mary was recognized for work as Juvenile Court Services Troubled Youth Instructor and organizer of the May Lee Clary Middle School "Rap-Against-Drugs Contest". Mary was the first African American to make Sargent in that city.

On September 20, 1999, Mary started her career as Nuclear Security Officer at Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant.  She specialized in tactical response and defended nuclear reactors.  Mary retired November 1, 2015.

It's no secret that Mary was a God fearing woman! Serving the Lord became one of her life's greatest joys.  When she and her family returned to Dothan, Alabama, Mary reunited with her family church: Park Chapel AME Church.  There, she served as an usher and a member of the Voices of Faith choir.  Mary later joined Destiny Church, where she remained a faithful member until she transitioned to be with the Lord.  Mary would often say, "I love my Pastor and nobody better mess with him!"

Mary loved all genres, her favorite being gospel.  Mary's love for music extended to her children and grandchildren.  So much that she required all of them to master a musical instrument and perfect their vocal stylings.  Mary also loved attending the Battle of the Bands and football games just for the music and half time shows, especially when her children and grandchildren were performing.

Mary had several past times.  She enjoyed sharing natural hair care techniques and watching movies with her family.  Mary treasured sharing her love for the 1995 rendition of Pride and Prejudice.  She also adored receiving gifts and when asked what sh wants as a gift she would say, "EVERYTHING."  Mary's most loved gifts were jewelry and anything that sparkled.
 

Mary was a part of numerous civic and community organizations.  In 1994, she joined the adult auxiliary group of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc as an Amicae and worked diligently with the youth auxiliary group Archonettes.  In 2006, Mary started the family choir "MAYO" consisting of her grandchildren.  This group sung gospel music in numerous venues throughout the Wiregrass Area.  Mary was the epitome of a pageant mom.  She wrote award winning speeches and talent skits.  She coached two daughters to earn the Miss Bronze crown and her granddaughter, who was crowned Miss Jr. Bronze. She traveled with assisting the youth in numerous  competitions, nationwide. 
 

In 2014, she was one of the founding Executive Officers for The Elite Prancing Peacocks Dance Team. In 2019, she was invited to be a member of the  Alabama Master Gardeners Association, Harvest for Health which is led by UAB’s Comprehensive Cancer Center.  She planted gardens in her backyard to promote a healthier lifestyle. 

The last year of her life, Mary was honored to assist in raising her beloved daughter, Tiffany, granddaughter, Alonnah Naomi Latrice.  In her last days, Mary expressed to her daughters that she was the happiest she has ever been in her whole life.
 

Mary was a member of  Destiny Church under the Leadership of Dr. Jevon Goode and was a faithful member until her passing.  She was a beloved mother/ grandmother and great grandmother and  will certainly  be missed. The mark that she left on this earth will not go unnoticed. Her legacy will continue through the ones she loved the most.
 

Creative, Innovative and Phenomenal are a few words to describe Mary Elizabeth Streeter Hollis.  She was preceded in death was her Husband: Tommie Hollis, her biological father: Wallace Bell, father: Chester Streeter, her sister: Beverly Joyce Granger, her daughter: Tiffiany Latrice Hollis, her maternal grandmother: Mary Bell Saffold and her paternal grandmother: Clara Bell.
 

She leaves  to cherish her memory, her loving mother: Tressie Streeter, four daughters: Teadrian Hollis , Tamina Hollis, Tonya (Reginald) Grant  all of Dothan, AL and Nina Hollis of Lithonia, GA., her sisters: Blanche (Byron) Alford of Atlanta, GA, Brenda Streeter of Dothan, AL, Tammie (Mark) Breymeyer of Elgin, SC, Nicole (Eulas) Black of Albany, GA; her loving aunts: Elizabeth Branch, Ila Chambers and Dovie Chambers;  her great-aunt: Anna McCarty;  her uncles: Bishop Charles Bell, Jene (Ruby) Bell, William (Gloria) Bell; her granddaughters; Tanisha Tittle, Jakeia (Anthony) Reeves, Cynondria (Joshua) Hollis, Ayanna Bryant, Chynia Mary Hollis, Calvary Hollis, Chiyani Hollis, Natoria Franklin and Elaina Bell; grandsons: Jaylen Boger, Kedric Burleson, Jayshuan Boger and Titan Hollis White; great-grandchildren: George Tittle, Aubrey Reeves, Alonnah Sims, Addison Reeves and Treslynn Egypt Hollis; God-grandchildren: Alexander Mayes (Mother, Stephanie McCray) and Carsyn Howard (Mother, Crystal Howard), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

 She also leaves to cherish her memories a special friend dear to her heart: Michael Hart.

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