Eileen Ernestine (Willis) Holliday

Eileen Ernestine (Willis) Holliday, 95, passed away on April 18, 2016  at Hubbard Hospice, Charleston, after a long illness.  Eileen was a longtime resident of Boomer.

Eileen Willis was born March 16, 1921 in Lansing, the youngest of the 10 children born to the late William E. Willis and Georgia (Fox) Willis.  She had many fond memories growing up as part of a large family on a farm and attending the one room Graydon School.  She grew up during the Great Depression, and her family was not wealthy, but she and her family were happy.  They lived close to the land and had a clear idea about what was real and important in life.

Eileen graduated from Ansted High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia Tech in 1943 and began a teaching career at Clay High School that lasted nearly 40 years and included full time or substitute teaching at most schools in the area.  She spent many years at Ansted High School.   She loved teaching and worked hard to find creative ways to engage her students in the learning process. Eileen was strong, independent, optimistic, determined and creative. She enjoyed singing, playing piano and harmonica, sketching and writing poems.

Eileen married Lexie O. Holliday, a World War II veteran, on June 1, 1946 and they moved into their home, at Boomer soon afterward, where they enjoyed 52 loving years together.  They attended Boomer Methodist Church for many years, where Eileen was baptized and taught Sunday School classes. From the early 1970s they attended Boomer Baptist Church. 

Eileen is survived by her son, Dr. Shannon Holliday, his wife Natalia (Ivanovna) Holliday, and granddaughter Sophia Holliday of Gainesville Fla.  Eileen’s niece, Joyce Ann McLaughlin, was a special friend and helper to Eileen during the last years of her life. She was also thankful for the many good neighbors in Boomer. In addition to her parents, Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, Lexie O. Holliday, sisters; Hester Coleman, Leona Sawyer, Beuna Reynolds, Avonelle Nickell and Nina Willis; and brothers, Joseph Willis, Thomas Willis, Percy Willis and Perry Willis. 

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 23, at Boomer Baptist Church, Boomer, with Minister Mark Strickland officiating. Burial will follow in the Restlawn Memory Gardens, Victor.

Friends may call 6 to 8 PM Friday, April 22, at Pennington Funeral Home, Gauley Bridge.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com

Pennington Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Holliday Family.

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