Barbara A. Holley

Barbara Alice Holley, daughter of Geraldine Jackson and Kenneth Harlow passed away March 28, 2025 in Avon, Indiana.

Barb was born August 12, 1932 in Mount Vernon, Illinois to the late Kenneth Harlow and Geraldine (Maddox) Jackson. She is preceded in death by her son, Brian S. Masters and her husband, William G. Holley. Barb is survived by her daughters, Marsha Lynn (Jack Hershfeld) Spaulding and Ellen (Paul) Bolin; grandchildren, Megan (Kurt) Laker and Jessica (Jeremy) Brown; great grandchildren, Clark Laker, Elise Laker, Evelyn Brown and Finley Brown.

Barb graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1948 and worked as a machinist for General Electronic in Decatur, IL for 10 years (1963-1973).

Her family was her pride and joy. She spent 39 years married to Bill Holley, the love of her life. She was a devoted single mother to her two beautiful daughters, Lynnie and Ellen. She was a loving grandma to Meg and Jess. When it came to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, every picture, awards pamphlet, newspaper clipping, and finger-painted Thanksgiving turkey, was worth its weight in gold to her.

After moving to Maroa, IL with Bill, she found time for painting, quilting, cooking, decorating, woodworking, and gardening. She would frequently hold weekend mini craft fairs in her big Victorian home on Maple Street. She invited other artists to feature their arts and crafts as well. She called it “Holley House.” Barb loved to be a part of seasonal community events like the garden walks, Christmas home tours, and rummage sales. Every quilting session, family birthday, or holiday was an excuse for her to throw a party. It allowed her to showcase all of her passions, cooking, decorating and artwork, at the same time.

When it turned to Spring, Barb’s favorite season, her focus turned to her garden. Barb and Bill had a garden that spanned their entire backyard and included her precious strawberries, which she turned into jam and her legendary strawberry pie. Any yard space left was populated by flowers, particularly her treasured tulips.

For those who knew Barb, our hope is that you remember her in the food she prepared for you, the handmade craft she gave you for Valentine’s Day, the tour of her garden, the warmth you felt crossing her threshold, or stories told by her loved ones.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date with close family and friends. If you would like to make a donation in her memory, please consider the Maroa Public Library (https://www.maroa.lib.il.us/) to support art & craft classes, Hospice Foundation of America (https://hospicefoundation.org/donate/) to support end of life services.