Mary Elizabeth Ross Holland, 91, of Carthage, entered the gates of Heaven on Monday night, June 13, 2016, in Longview. She was born on March 20, 1925, in Panola County, the daughter of Ocie and Willie Jo Metcalf Ross. Mrs. Holland attended school in the Mitchell Community and graduated from Carthage High School, Class of 1943. Mary met the love of her life on a blind date and married Jerry H. Holland six weeks later on Dec. 23, 1950. They were married for 64 years at the time of his death on May 4, 2015. She spent most of her married life living in Oklahoma until she and her husband retired and returned to Carthage in 1993. Mrs. Holland was predeceased by her parents and three siblings, Emory A. Ross, Nell Ross Schweikhardt and Billie Jean Ross.

She is survived by her children, James S. Holland (Cheryl) and family of Norman, OK, Catheryn Holland Barolak (Greg) and family of The Woodlands, TX and Stephen R. Holland (Linda) of Tulsa, OK. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Bill Holland (Louise) of Snyder, OK and two nephews, Stan Holland (Lisa) and family of Snyder, OK and Forest Todd Schweikhardt (Lori) and family of Sugar Land, TX.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2016, at Rehobeth UMC with Pastor Robert Goodson officiating. Interment will follow in Rehobeth Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening 5-7 p.m. at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home.

The family of Mrs. Holland would like to express their sincere thanks to Pastor Robert Goodson and the congregation of Rehobeth UMC, Heartsway Hospice, the doctors, nurses and staff of Texas Oncology – Longview, the staff of Hawkins Creek Assisted Living – Longview, and family and friends for their kindness and love.

Memorials may be made to Rehobeth UMC, 2207 U.S. 59 North, Carthage, TX 75633, Rehobeth Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 60, Carthage, TX 75633, Heartsway Hospice, 437 W. Panola, Carthage, TX 75633, The Panola County Historical and Genealogical Society, 213 N. Shelby, Carthage, TX 75633 or the charity of your choice.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.