Nelda Hunt Holland's Obituary
Dallas, TX – Nelda Hunt Holland passed away at the age of 94 on Thursday, 8/12/2021 with her children by her side. She was born on April 9, 1927 in Brownwood, Texas to Benjamin Franklin Hunt and Laura Peachie Chrane Hunt.
Nelda grew up on the farm/ranch, the youngest of 6 sisters and one Brother, Kenneth Wade (1925). Her sisters were Lila (1903), Vida May (1905), Laura Annie (1908), Bennie Elizabeth (1915), and Juanita Ora (1920). Closer to her brother in age Nelda would hunt rabbits from the front fender of her brother’s car, ride horses with the “gang,” and be her brother’s dancing partner as a teenager. She attended Howard Payne College and worked as a secretary. She met the love of her life on a blind date and married Charles J Holland, Jr. (Charlie) on November 22, 1950.
They moved to Dallas where they raised a family, Charles Jenkins Holland, III (Chuck) was born in 1951 and Carol Lynn Currie in 1955. The family grew to include 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and of course many nieces and nephews.
Falling under the influence of her mother-in-law, Nelda soon adopted a flair for fine fashion, art, decorating and travel. Always an achiever, Nelda took up Golf and Bridge. She became the club champion for women’s golf, and a master bridge player. They both played golf at Preston Hollow, Brookhaven, and Los Colinas country clubs. They attended Skillman, Prestoncrest, and Preston Road Church of Christ.
They entertained a lot; loved and collected art; and traveled, often Golfing with Sister Bennie & her 3 husbands. In 1964, on a trip to the New York World’s Fair, Nelda was in the audience for the Price is Right TV show. Her red hair and fiery personality got her on the show as a contestant and there followed a few days of fame and prizes. International travel begin with a Portugal trip from Price is Right winnings and continued with other trips to Europe. They traveled to Mexico frequently from Charlie’s home base in McAllen. Charlie and Nelda also traveled to Russia where they visited Moscow and toured the area where Charlie’s father brought the family to live from 1929 – 1934.
Later in life Nelda became the caregiver of the family. She nursed her mom who lived to 98. Then came Charlie’s Aunt Lena Brockman (Neo) who lived to 108! Next she took care of her sister Bennie (96). Meanwhile, Charlie developed Alzheimer’s. She arranged day care, home care and even a last cruise to the Mediterranean (2013) with family to support him. Always the planner, Nelda moved herself and Charlie to Edgemere Senior Living for the final chapter of
their life. Charlie was nearby and well cared for in the memory unit. Nelda brought her favorite furnishings to Edgemere where she could live the “cruise ship” life and dress to the nines every day.
Nelda was still playing bridge at 93 before COVID struck. Around Thanksgiving 2020, Nelda contracted COVID. A real fighter, she became a COVID long-hauler, recovering from pneumonia and COVID related illness several times over the next 9 months. Her loving care-givers helped her recover each time and live in her own home.
Nelda will be sorely missed by her loving family who have so many fond memories. Son Chuck Holland and wife to be Robin Allen (Weston MA). His daughter Keri Holland Lowe (Holden MA) her daughters Maeve and Rowan Lowe. His daughter Bess Holland-Agnitti (Holden MA) and her daughter Kylie Jackson. Nelda’s daughter Carol Lynn Currie (Venus TX), widowed by Billy Joe Currie. Their son Steven Currie (Selma, TX) and Steve’s wife Tiffany Stamness Currie and their children, Landon and Logan. Carol’s daughter Jennifer Lynn Currie (Venus TX). And Nelda’s niece Elizabeth Anne Hunt (Austin TX).
Services will be in Restland’s chapel at 2 PM Sunday 8/22 (13005 Greenville Ave). Nelda encourages donations to your favorite cancer research organization like Hope-funds.or
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