After 102 Years of Life, Family and Friends Say Final Goodbye to Mrs. Ruth Mims Holly

Proverbs 31:10-31 – “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her worth is far above rubies”.

Dennis Mims and his bride, Pearl Casel Mims, welcomed their second child, a baby girl, March 4, 1917, in Yard, Texas, Anderson County. They named her Ruth; which means “friend” originating from the Biblical story of Ruth and ‘Naomi. Growing up, Ruth was blessed with an older brother Curtis, and a younger sister, Ruby.

Ruth accepted Christ at an early age and united with Friendship Baptist Church, Yard, Texas, where she also attended school in the same community.

While visiting New Hope Baptist Church during a revival with her family on a summer evening, Ruth met her beau, Charlie Holly. After a brief courtship, they married, January 26, 1938.

To this union, they were blessed with seven children; 5 girls and two boys. After marriage, Ruth united with New Hope Baptist Church, where she remained as an active member until her declining health. She served on the Usher Board, Deaconess Ministry, and was honored as “Mother of the Church” in her later years.

She was also a member of the Masonic Hall Order of Eastern Star Union Oak #64, Tennessee Colony, TX.

Ruth was a school cafeteria cook in the Bethel School System and after a few years, chose to be a housewife; raising their seven children. She was also a caregiver to her elderly parents; demonstrating to her children how to care for their elders. Friends in the community often entrusted her to take care of their preschoolers while they worked.

During her 102 years of life, she was able to witness many monumental events and often relayed: “I never thought I’d live to be this age!” God has really BLESSED me!”

Ruth answered God’s call and earned her wings, Friday, June 7, 2019 at 11:15 a.m. in Waco, TX.

Waiting to meet her in glory are: Parents, Dennis and Pearl Mims; husband, Charlie Holly; brother, Curtis Mims; sister, Ruby Mims Morgan; son, Charlie D. Holly; daughter, Juanita Johnson; and son-in-law, James Thomas.

Those remaining to carry on her legacy with fond memories are her loving children and caregivers: Selma (Bennie, Jr.) Neal, Elma (Ray) Hicks both of Waco, TX; Glenda Thomas of Smyrna, Delaware; Ethel (Len) Williams of DeSoto, TX; Donald (Pam) Holly of Tennessee Colony, TX; and granddaughter reared as a daughter, Mary Beck, Waco, TX.

Seven other grand-children; seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; eleven first cousins… one of which is very special: Ethel Pimpton; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and family friends.

The Dallas Post Tribune is sadly saying goodbye to our last Centenarian we honored in our publication over the years.

• Loureather Hill (105 years) – February 2, 1913 – October , 2018
• Beatrice Mims Johnson (109 years) – January 6, 1910 – March 28, 2019
• Ruth Mims Holly (102 years) – March 4, 1917 – June 7, 2019

The three Centenarians had something in common; they were from the same location, Tennessee Colony, Texas, Anderson County.