Don Holley and I were married in Fayetteville, Tennessee. I was working with Rev. and Mrs. W.R. Platt in a "home mission" campaign. This was being held in a large tent. From these meetings new churches were organized in the Nazarene Church.
Don was born in Moss Point, Mississippi, but raised totally in Mobile, Alabama. His father, Mack Holley, owned a grocery store in Prichard, Alabama (suburb of Mobile). He later left the family, divorced and married again. He divorced her and married another, divorced her and lived alone in a foster home until he died. In later years he seemed to turn to the Lord, read his bible continually and attended a southern Baptist church faithfully. He seemed to turn to Don for advice somewhat.Bertie Lou and "Shorty" were his help for years. In January of 1981 he told Bertie Lou, "I don't think I can live if Don dies." Soon after, he died. Don died the following July. I never learned much about the earlier Holley or Crane families.
Don wrote me that he was coming to Fayetteville and going to meet with us. I answered "In that case, we'll be married in the tent meeting and go home together." This we did. About 5 minutes before our ceremony, someone from a business place nearby came to tell me there was a long distance call for me. I ran out and across the street. Don thought I was leaving him at the altar, so he ran after me. It was Kitty calling to congratulate us! (5 minutes too soon - ha!) We finished the simple ceremony and two days later headed for Michigan. I wore a the white dress length coat-dress I often wore in services when I spoke. We couldn't afford flowers so a little girl came with a handful of wild flowers she had picked for me (they werecalled "Old Maids!" - ha!) Our marriage lasted 42 years - minus one month. We evangelized and pastored for 37 years.
Don spent 3.5 years in the US Peace Time Army, in Fort Benning, Georgia (from age 17 to 20.5). During WWII he volunteered for the Navy and spent 3.5 years in the service as a physical therapist in California.
Don died in our log cabin home in Vicksburg, Michigan on the Nazarene campground. He had had colon cancer surgery then 2 good years of evangelism (he had formerly pastored for 37 years). He then developed a brain tumor. He had no surgery, just cobalt treatment, but gradually "faded away."
Don's funeral was in the camp tabernacle to accommodate the crowd of approximately 800 (80 ministers stood and sang "Amazing Grace"). Cal Kring from Lansing and Mrs. Alma Ferguson sang. Flowers lined the alter. District Superintendent Neil Strait, Rev. Lashley (our pastor) and Rev. Godman officiated. Mrs. Strait played the piano. Dr. Don Gibson of the General Headquarters - Evangelism head, gave greetings. Jason and Doris Hood came. Jim and Christine Tate from Alabama came also.
Individuals - Placeway Family Tree
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