Mary Elizabeth Hollifield "Nanny"

Mary Elizabeth Williams Hollifield, loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, went home to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of Thursday, September 28, 2017 at Asheville Health Care Center in Swannanoa at the age of 89.  Her loving family was at her side.  Born in McDowell County, North Carolina on March 30, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Isaac and Pearl Haynes Williams.

A devout Servant Matriarch of God, Elizabeth went to Heaven to join her Pastor Evangelist husband, Rev. M. A. Hollifield and their Down Syndrome son, Freddy.  As a wife of a Pastor for 70 years, her life was filled as a “Nanny” of her daycare and hostess at “Hollifield Hotel” for minsters and missionaries. 

Nanny showed compassion and care for homeless and children and left a legacy for many families.  She enjoyed caring for the sick and always had an “open door” with hospitality.  She was truly a Proverbs 31 woman who will be greatly missed. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Milton A. Hollifield, Sr.; one son, Freddy Hollifield; her grandparents, who raised her, John Brookshire and Amelia Padgett Haynes; one son-in-law, Bill Metcalf; and twin sisters Lenora Padgham and her husband Thurman; and Elenora White and her husband Gus; a brother Bobby Williams.

Mrs. Hollifield is survived by two daughters, Joyce H. Metcalf of Swannanoa and Keva H. Lovik and husband Lloyd, Sr. of Marion; one son, Milton A. Hollifield, Jr. and wife Gloria of Cary, NC; seven grandchildren, Angela Merritt and husband Steve of Old Fort, Amy Slaughter and husband Jack of Swannanoa, Judson Hollifield and wife Jamie of Asheville, Heather Tilley and husband Jeff of Marion, Laura Lovik and husband Rick of Asheville, Lloyd Lovik, Jr. and wife Monica of Marion and Tina Lovik and husband Mark of Boca Raton, Florida; ten great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.  She is also survived by one sister, Juanita Woodby of Hickory; brother-in-law, Jack Hollifield and his wife Nell of Morganton; several nieces and nephews; and extended family, including the Curtis children. 

A service to honor the life of Mrs. Hollifield will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Swannanoa First Baptist Church, 503 Park Street, Swannanoa, with Revs. Milton Hollifield, Jr., Doug Mathis and Alan Sailors officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the church. 

There will be a private family burial.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in her memory are asked to consider, Rocky Pass Free Will Baptist Church Family Life Center Fund, 6988 Harmony Grove Road, Nebo, North Carolina 28761.  

The Hollifield family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staff at Asheville Health Care Center, for the love and care shown to their mother over the past six years.