Merlene Holland

Mrs. Iva Merlene Holland, age 82, of the Bugtussle Community, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at her home. Merlene was born at home in the White Oak Ridge Community on May 14, 1942, a daughter of the late William Thomas and Catherine Elizabeth (Calvert) Goodman. She attended the Howard School from 1948-1954 and Gamaliel School from 1956-1960. After graduation, she obtained her Nursing Degree, and served the majority of her thirty-three-year nursing career working for Dr. Kenneth Crabtree. Merlene joined White Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church in 1958 and New Liberty General Baptist Church in 1984. 

She is survived by a son, Jason Holland and wife Mitzi, one grandson, Jack Holland, a sister, Nelgene Holder, all of Bugtussle, and two brothers; Ed Goodman and wife Bonnie, and Howard Goodman and wife Connie, of Fountain Run. Two nephews; Davis Holder and wife Patricia, and Kevin Goodman and wife Meshel, and one niece, Angela Beckley and husband Rob, along with a host of extended family also survives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; William Thomas Goodman, and Catherine Elizabeth Calvert Goodman, and her husband Holly Jewell Holland.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Bartley & Sons Gamaliel Chapel with interment to follow in New Liberty Cemetery. Bro. Kenny Sullivan, Bro. Stacy Cook, and Bro. Brent Turner will officiate the services.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, after 1:00 p.m. and continue on Thursday morning after 8:00 until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.

Pallbearers: Jack Holland, Howard Goodman, Ed Goodman, Rob Beckley, Geoff Pare, and Stacy Cook.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hope Lodge, in memory of Mrs. Holland. Those may be made at the Funeral Home.

Bartley & Sons Gamaliel Chapel is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Holland and her family at this time.