Eva Gene Holley

With loving hearts, we celebrate the life of Eva Gene Dawsey Holley, who was born on May 22, 1951, in Dothan, Alabama, to the late Mattie Clyde Burks Dawsey and James Franklin Dawsey. Eva was raised surrounded by love, family, and a strong sense of community. Those early years shaped her into the strong, compassionate, and faithful woman we all came to know and love.

Eva married the love of her life, Ed Holley, on May 3, 1969, and together they built a life rooted in love, respect, and devotion. She lovingly called him “Mr. Holley,” and he affectionately called her “Red”—a special bond that spoke to the deep love and friendship they shared.

In June of 1970, Eva moved to Ohio to start a new chapter, carrying with her hope and determination. She built a beautiful family, raising three strong-willed daughters with strength, wisdom, and unconditional love, instilling in them the same resilience, independence, and grace that she carried throughout her own life. Eva took pride in the women her daughters became.

She worked hard to raise and care for her family, beginning at Sears when they had the cosmetic counter and later at Therm-O-Disc. She went on to dedicate 30 years of service to the United Telephone Company, later known as Sprint, before retiring. Even after retirement, Eva’s caring spirit wouldn’t allow her to slow down. She continued working at IMAC School in the Ocie Hill Building, where she touched countless at-risk kids with kindness and her gentle but stern nature.

Eva’s faith meant everything to her. After moving to Ohio, she joined Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Johnny Griffin, where she worked faithfully in the youth ministry. Later, being led by God, she found her church home at Shiloh Baptist Church, under the teachings of Bishop William Morris Jr. where she dedicated her service to the youth, hospitality, and anniversary committees.

Eva was a woman of grace in every sense of the word. She had a beautiful sense of style and a love for fashion that was all her own. She enjoyed shopping and took pride in always looking her best, but more than anything, it was the confidence, warmth, and joy she carried that made her truly shine. To know Eva was to love her. She had a soft spirit, a kind heart, and a way of making everyone feel like family. She gave so much of herself to others, always showing up with love, encouragement, and care. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in our hearts.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving husband, Ed Holley; her daughters, Ava (Michael) Raus, Michelle David, and Valerie (Benjamin) Davis; her grandchildren, Ebonie Holley, Jacqueline Reed, Eddrick Holley, I. Michael David, Ieyanna David and Kassey Moore; her great-grandchildren, E. Aiden Holley, and Ji’reh Johnson; her sisters, Luretha Laws, Louise Thomas, and Dorothy (Kenneth) McCall; her godsons and goddaughter; and a host of nieces, nephews, and loving cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mattie Clyde Burks Dawsey, and her father, James Franklin Dawsey.

Calling hours will be held from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the family’s home, 820 Willowood Drive West, Mansfield.

A service to honor Eva’s life and faith will be held at 12:00 pm, March 21st, 2026, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 130 East Second Street, Mansfield. An hour of viewing will be held from 11:00 am until the time of service on Saturday.

We will miss her more than words can express, but we find comfort in knowing her love will live on through all of us.