MARY LYNN HOLLADAY
May 26, 1943 – May 1, 2026
Mary Lynn Holladay Holliday, aged 82, formerly of Luverne, passed away peacefully at her home in Fairhope, May 1, 2026. Family and friends were invited to gather for fellowship at 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, at Hayneville Christian Church in Hayneville. A celebration of life followed at 2 p.m., with Rev. Ashley Davis officiating.
Mary Lynn was born in Selma, May 26, 1943 to Wilson Milton and Mary Frances Holladay who preceded her in death. Also preceding her were husband, James Ray Holliday and sister Margaret Holladay Moorer. She was raised in Hayneville attending Hayneville High School and Hayneville Methodist Church. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics with a Minor in Music from Huntington College.
Mary Lynn, affectionately known as “My Mary” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, loved the Lord and was diligent to serve Him. Regardless of where she attended, she always immersed herself within the church. She loved singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School and playing the piano. She served on various committees not just within the church but her community as well. Known as the “Cookie Lady” by her cul de sac neighbors, she was an exceptional baker. Her family was always excited about what cake she would be bringing to their next gathering! Mary Lynn loved sewing, gardening, writing poetry, short stories and pinching pennies. She could repurpose anything!
Being a full-time mom was her job of choice for many years. After her children were all in school, she went to work at Luverne Health Clinic, where she quickly knew just about everyone in town by their first name! She later owned a successful retail department store. After becoming an empty nester, she found a career with the Crenshaw County DHR eventually retiring from the state as Food Stamp Supervisor. Mary Lynn loved to show pictures and share stories of her grandchildren to anyone who would listen. She was extremely loyal to her family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. We find comfort in knowing we will be reunited in Heaven.
Mary Lynn is survived by her brother, Milton Holladay, Jr.; children, Frances (Sam) Johnston, Cleg (Joy) Bender and Beth (Bruce) Sanders; grandchildren, Levi (Julie) Dunagan, Emory (Lee) Wicks, Abby Johnston, Luke Sanders, Walt Johnston, Mary Beth (Walter) Morris, Cole Bender, Anna Brooke Bender and Nick Sanders; great grandchildren; Wynn Wicks, Mary Frances Wicks and Kate Wicks; stepchildren, James Holliday Jr. (Linda), Scott Holliday (Gina) and Shannon (Pedro Mayor) Holliday; step grandchildren, Bill Holliday, Brooke Motes, Meghan Holliday, Garrett Holliday, Micheal Holliday, Becker Mayor and Anna Louise Mayor; eight step great grandchildren; and two step great, great grandchildren.
Pallbearers for the service were Levi Dunagan, Luke Sanders, Walt Johnston, Cole Bender, Becker Mayor, and Nick Sanders.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hayneville Christian Church, Brightman Cemetery or charity of your choice.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at www.dunklinfh.com.