Gladys Hollifield

Mrs. Gladys Hollifield, age 92, passed away on the evening of Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at her home in Marion.  Her loving family was by her side.  Gladys was the daughter of the late Henry and Nannie Allison.  She was born on September 6, 1925 near Andrews Geyser in Old Fort.

Gladys was well known across McDowell County.  She and her late husband, Raymond Hollifield owned and operated the Catawba Grill in the 1950’s.  This was a popular place for burgers, fries, juke box music and good clean fun.  They built the River Breeze Fish Camp.  Being the first of its kind in the county, it became popular across McDowell and surrounding counties.  People would come for all the fish they could eat and Gladys’ famous hush puppies; all for one price of course, “The good ole days”.  They also owned River Breeze Driving Range and other real estate property.

After Raymond’s untimely death in 1981, Gladys carried on the work she and Raymond had started.  She helped numerous people including those who rented from her.  Many times, she gave them rent, food and money.  She was not just a landlord, but a friend who treated them fairly as family.  Gladys had a great source of friends at the Country Diner where she visited practically every day.  She loved to talk and meet people and truly never met a stranger.

She also had a famous “Hen Party” on Thursday nights. A group of women came to her home and she made home made biscuits, fresh apple sauce and fried potatoes.  There was a “Hen Party” rule; no “Roosters” allowed. 

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters; one brother; and her beloved husband, Raymond.

Left to cherish her memories are what she considered to be her most precious possessions; her daughter, Barbara Stepp of Hendersonville, North Carolina; two granddaughters, Tiffany Marshall and her husband, Jim; and Tamara Miller and her husband, Jeff, all of Hendersonville, North Carolina; two great grandsons, Beck Miller of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Hank Marshall of Hendersonville, North Carolina; and one great granddaughter, Wesleigh Marshall of Hendersonville, North Carolina.  She was also survived by her brother-in-law, Oren Hall; and sister-in-law, Bootsie Washburn, both of Marion, who were special to her.  Her great-great niece and nephew, Molly and Cutler Rabon were precious to her.  Gladys had a special young friend, Makaila Stallings who visited her often.  Many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly will cherish her memories as well.  Her brother, Paul Allison and his wife, Jenny of Roanoke, Virginia, will also remember her with love.

No, Gladys did not have a degree from a prestigious university, but had something more important; WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING.  She lived by the Golden Rule daily.  She loved God and always said, “The Good Lord will come and get me when he is ready for me.”  That day came.  He was ready for her and greeted her with open arms. 

A special “Thank You” to CarePartners Hospice & Palliative Care-McDowell and the loving care they gave her.  Also, a special “Thank You” to the numerous friends and family members who visited her during her illness.

Gladys was a member of Turkey Cove Baptist Church and will be buried beside her beloved husband, Raymond at Turkey Cove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to CarePartners Hospice & Palliative Care-McDowell, 575 Airport Road, Marion, North Carolina 28752 and/or Blue Ridge Honor Flight, 423 North King Street, Hendersonville, North Carolina 28792

A celebration of Gladys’ life will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service with Rev. Buddy Hunt officiating and speaking in honor of her grandmother, Mrs. Tamara Miller.  Music will be provided by Ms. Diane Brooks.  Interment will follow the service at Turkey Cove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home.