Nellie Holland

Holland, Nellie Mae Thomas Kalamazoo Nellie Mae Thomas Holland, age 91, of Kalamazoo, passed away on Saturday morning, October 1, 2022. Nellie was born in Eagle Rock, VA, on April 4, 1931, the daughter of the late Houston and Ruth (Ferrall) Thomas. Harold Herbert Holland, her loving husband of 44 years, preceded her in death on July 1, 1999. Nellie attended Wayland College in Plainview, TX and Madison College in Harrisburg, VA. She made her home in Kalamazoo for many years where she loved to entertain friends and family and was active in several bridge clubs. She and her husband were very dedicated to the local community, being ardent supporters of the arts and many charitable causes. She greatly enjoyed traveling with her husband, visiting several cities in Europe, as well as Mexico, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States. After his passing, she made regular trips to California and New York to visit her children and grandchildren. Nellie will be remembered by her loved ones as a strong, generous, and independent woman with a powerful love for life and her family. They will never forget her motto, which was to always "Think up!". Nellie is survived by her son, Richard L. (Leslie) Holland; three granddaughters, Lindsey Holland, Sarah (Justin Campbell) Holland, and Julia Holland; two great-grandsons, Carmen and Adrian Campbell; one sister, Doris Heck; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Wayne Holland, in 2015; one sister, Frankie Johnson and one brother, Sonny Thomas. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022, at First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Friends may visit with the family from 12 p.m. until time of the service. Memorial contributions may be given in Nellie's name to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. Arrangements were entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Please visit https://www.langelands.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, and leave messages for the family.