Mrs. Etta M. Holston, 98, of 1308 Wildwood Drive, Griffin, Georgia departed this life Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital. She was born on October 26, 1921, in Reynolds, Taylor County, Georgia and was the oldest daughter of seven children born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Lovett (Willie Colbert) Ross, Sr.. Etta was educated in the Taylor County School System and went on to attend Fort Valley State College, where she earned credits to begin a teaching career. She utilized her education and skills with the children of Taylor County until uniting in holy matrimony to the late Matthew Holston, Sr., on October 19, 1946. At that time, Matthew and Etta relocated to Griffin, GA, where they began their family. To their union six children were born. Mrs. Holston embraced her role as a mother; she decided to set aside her career and fully devote herself to family life. Etta used her educational foundation to instill within her children a passion for knowledge and eagerness to excel in their academic studies; in fact, she became a “teacher mom”. Etta accepted Christ at an early age. She imparted her Christian beliefs to her children; promoting family affiliation and worship related activities. As her children moved through the school system, Mrs. Etta was involved with the local Parent Teacher Associations in their respective schools. Over the years, Etta enjoyed cooking and baking, nurturing and spending time with family, as well as playing with her grand and great-grandchildren. Later in life, traveling with family, and visiting several states, as far west as California after stopping to visit the Grand Canyon, brought her much joy. At the youthful age of 93, Etta Mae made her first trip to the Holy Land Experience and Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Mrs. Holston was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, a loving son, Master Sergeant Earl Holston, USAF, Ret., and her six siblings.
She leaves to cherish her memory: five children, Mr. Ernest (Carolyn) Holston of Griffin, GA, Mr.Matthew (Patricia) Holston, Jr., of Columbus, OH, Mrs. Janice Holston Massac of Griffin, GA, Major Edward R. (Janelle) Holston, USAF, Ret. of San Antonio, TX, and Mrs. Joyce E. Holston (Charleston) McClendon of Stockbridge, GA; daughter-in-law, Mrs. Suk Hui Holston of Yorktown, VA; son-in-law, Mr. Arsene Massac of Griffin, GA; sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary Dobson of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Taralyn Quita Sanders, Anthony Vincent Holston, Matthew Marcell Holston, Leonard Holston, Colonel Matthew Earl Holston, USAF, La-Meshia Holston, Ernest Holston, Jr., Aaron Holston, Michelle Holston, Joseph Holston, Juanita Massac, Maria Holston, Iaian McClendon, Audrianna Holston, Evian McClendon,and Kevin Henry; nieces, Rosa Lillian Byrd and Bettye H. Holston; twenty-six great- grandchildren; one great-great grand; special extended family, Cecelia Fahie Barry, Chalaine Barry, Michele Brown, Edna Lightfoot, Florence Lyons, Sandra Hood Stroud, Juliette McCann, and Kenneth McDowell; and an abundance of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.
Viewing and visitation will be Thursday, October 29, 2020 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at McDowell's Funeral Home, 305 N Hill St, Griffin, GA 30223.
Graveside services will be held 1:00 P.M. Friday, October 30, 2020, at Griffin Memorial Gardens, 515 Dobbins Mill Road, Griffin Georgia, 30223, Rev. Dr. Cleopatrick Lacy, Officiating, Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, Eulogist.
Services entrusted to Bernard’s Family Funeral Care, LLC, 103 Willie Bailey Street, Eatonton, Georgia 31024, (706) 485-4494.
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