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FRANKLIN, VA – Barbara Jean Underwood Holloman, age 88, formerly of Ahoskie, passed away on Monday, June 17, 2024 at the East Pavilion Southampton Medical Center in Franklin, Virginia.

Barbara was born June 18, 1935 in Franklin, Virginia to John Ivey Underwood and Susie Lee Baugham Underwood. She had one brother, John Underwood. She grew up in Southampton County, Virginia. Barbara attended Chowan College in 1953 where she met E. L. Holloman whom she dated but parted ways until circumstances brought them back together in 1984 and married in February of 1985 where Barbara was blessed with E.L.’s two daughters; Sharon and Glenda. She loved to sew and spent much time doing this for others. Barbara enjoyed cooking and was a wonderful cook. She and E. L. loved to feed their family and friends fresh vegetables and especially her chocolate pies. She liked to eat dessert first and share a laugh. Their family always looked forward to the fish fries with great food and fellowship. She always gave the best gifts, always putting so much thought into choosing the right thing.

Barbara worked in lumber sales for Union Camp/International Paper until her retirement. Barbara and E.L. spent lots of time traveling making wonderful memories to places such as New York, California, Hawaii, the Bahamas, and many other areas in the U.S. They were longtime devoted members in the Kiwanis together, with Barbara serving as the secretary for many years. She was a part of the club’s efforts to supply elementary school children with dictionaries, which she was very proud of. The couple spent 36 wonderful years together until E. L. ‘s death in 2021. Barbara then returned to Franklin and was cared beautifully for by the staff at The Village at Woods Edge and East Pavilion Nursing Home. She supported E. L.’s love of John Deere tractors and accompanied him every year to Denton, NC for the annual Threshers reunion.

Her brother John gave her two nieces whom she cared for as her own and a sister-in-law that she loved dearly. She cherished her family dearly, especially her grandchildren, nieces and nephews and will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

Barbara was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Ahoskie until her health and the Covid pandemic prevented her from attending.

Along with her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Enos Landing Holloman; her brother, John Underwood; sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Liz” Underwood; and daughter, Glenda Byrd.

Barbara is survived by a daughter, Sharon Roope and husband Kenny; grandchildren, Tracy Lewis and husband Bryant, Judson Byrd, Willie Roope, and Mellissa Hand; nieces, Ann Underwood Smith, and Amy Simms and husband Lance; and great nephews, Brendan Simms, Nathan Smith, and Bryce Simms; along with extended family and friends.

A celebration of life service was held on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at the Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC, with Rev. Dr. Dennis Bazemore, officiating. The family received friends immediately following the service. She was laid to rest at Highland Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, PO Box 649, Ahoskie, NC 27910 or online by visiting tmcfunding.com/ search fund, type- Barbara Holloman.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel handled the arrangements for the Holloman family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.