Mary Ellen Holly

Mary Ellen Holly, 88, of Bainbridge, formerly of Greenville, AL, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Gerald A. Little officiating. Interment will follow at Oak City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 516 E. Broughton Street, Bainbridge, GA 39817 or Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society, 808 Zorn Road, Bainbridge, GA 39817.

Mary Ellen Grant was born November 6, 1937, in Greenville, AL, the daughter of Thomas & Lucille Aplin Grant. Following her high school graduation, Mary pursued a degree in English and Speech, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Montevallo. She married the love of her life, Harris Holly, and spent many years in Greenville where Mary impacted lives of countless students at Fort Dale/South Butler Academy.

Though Mary spoiled Harris, those grandchildren tugged the strings a little tighter. She loved them beyond measure, rarely missing a ball game or activity they were involved in. In fact, Mary & Harris relocated to Bainbridge to take advantage of more opportunities to be a part of their daily lives. A favorite for them all was Meme’s Christmas Brunch.

Mary enjoyed traveling on a cruise ship, relaxing at the beach house, and working in her yard. She doted on the grands and great-grands holding every moment as a treasure in her heart. Through her membership at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Mary found a niche for outreach to the community she called home.

Survivors include her husband, Harris Holly; her children, Lisa & Mike Barber; her grandchildren, Holly & Kyle, Anna & Luke, and Nick & Sarah Ann; her grandchildren, Grayson, Ellie Faye, and Millie Drew; and her sister, Teresa Watson and her husband, Bill. Mary was preceded in death by her parents.

The Holly Family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Vallaree, Carolyn, Sandra, Chris, and Jan for their kind and compassionate care.