Mrs. Jessie Mae Holloway was born on May 13, 1939, in Brenham, Texas, to Leroy Ray and Hattie Mae Coleman. Jessie graduated from A.W. Jackson High School in Rosenberg before attending Prairie View A&M University, where she met the love of her life, Reginald Holloway. Reginald’s service in the U.S. Army took them to Germany for ten years, before allowing them to return home. During his service, Jessie gave back to her community by volunteering in the Army hospitals in Germany and New Mexico as a caregiver. She was a troop leader in the Girl Scouts as well. For more than fifteen years, she worked for the Katy Independent School District in the food service department before her retirement.
Jessie was full of life. She loved to dance to country music, especially at Duke’s Tavern in Katy. She enjoyed all types of music, such as country, gospel and rhythm and blues. She also loved to eat and had many favorites, such as gumbo, pinto beans, brisket, steak, macaroni & cheese, and smothered chicken. She had a sweet tooth for pecan pie, banana pudding, and especially Lifesavers candy. Jessie, nicknamed Lucy in recent times, was a speed-reader with a love for romance novels. As her eyesight declined, she eventually transitioned to audiobooks. She loved the companionship of her dog, Ace, a miniature pinscher.
Mrs. Jessie Mae Holloway passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023, in Katy, at the age of 84.
Jessie was preceded in death by her husband, Reginald Holloway; her parents, Leroy Ray, Sr. and Hattie Mae Coleman; and by two brothers, Oscar C. Ray and Alvin L. Ray.
She is survived by her daughter, Janice R. Holloway and spouse Tony Bowen; her son, Ronald J. Holloway; sisters, Ora Nell Ray Ford, Theresa A. Lampley and husband Reginald, Felicia Ray and Monica Ray; brother, Leroy Ray, Jr.; as well as many other loving family members and many friends.
The family received friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at the Schmidt Funeral Home Grand Parkway Chapel, in Katy, where funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday with Rev. Wesley Hicks officiating. Interment in Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.
To express condolences, please visit www.SchmidtFuneralHome.net
Funeral services held under the direction of
Schmidt Funeral Home
1344 W. Grand Parkway South ~ Katy, Texas 77494 ~ (281) 391-2424