Brenda Carol Holloway Priest

Brenda Carol Holloway Priest a woman whose heart was full of love, compassion, empathy and care, transitioned on March 31, 2025.

Born July 5, 1949 to Fred, Sr., and Neicy Blaton Holloway in Laurinburg, NC.

She was a graduate of Wagram School and was always known for her intellect and was recognized as a MENSA member. Brenda was a National Merit Finalist, a Teaching Fellows Scholar, and was accepted into several Ivy League Universities.  She received a full two-year scholarship to Meredith College and thus chose to attend.  She later continued her education and graduated from Richmond Community College. She was a life-long learner and often took courses on subjects of interest.  She encouraged her family and anyone she encountered to focus on continuous education.

She was an activist for environmental causes and human rights. She was always willing to standup and speak out for injustices and wrong doings.

She retired from Scotland County Schools, as a library assistant at Wagram Primary School. It was there that she became affectionately known as “Ms. Library Lady” or “Ms. Priest” to many of the students. She loved all the students as her own, giving extra hugs to those she recognized needed them, and often tried to facilitate Christmas cheer offerings or help for those kids in need. She taught her children determination, to always find the good in everyone, to offer others compassion, empathy, and forgiveness and to live by the golden rule to turn the other cheek.

Brenda was an avid reader, reading multiple books a day. She loved attending sporting and school events for all of her children and grandchildren.  She would often help with the transportation of the basketball, football, and baseball players to get them to practices and games.  She enjoyed cheering on Duke men’s Basketball team (and having a good rivalry with her Tarheel loving son (Scott). After her first heart attack in 1991, she received an experimental treatment for women at Duke University Hospital. She remained in that study until 2018 when the staff that oversaw the study retired. That treatment essentially gave her over 30 years of additional life and resulted in her becoming a diehard Duke basketball fan.  When the Duke research staff would call, she would jokingly tell them, “I’m not dead yet”.  She volunteered her time to numerous organizations and causes throughout the years. She was a member of Spring Hill Baptist Church for over 50 years and served as a Deacon prior to her declining health.  She loved the church and volunteering for the Food Bank. She never met a stranger, although she enjoyed her solitude. She thrived in social settings and if she went out somewhere you would always hear someone calling out her name to greet her. 

She is survived by her children, Christel  Clanton Jones (Roger Forrest), Scott Clanton, and Rhonda Michelle Priest who was her primary caregiver; grandchildren, Rachel Jones Bullard, Joshua Leevert Jones, and Eric Matthew Jones (Jenifer), Andrew Blake Priest-Chavis, Thank God Msughter Avar, Gunnar Ingri Harderson , Marko Tomic, Mackenzie Harrell, Casey Lockear (Ashleigh), and Aaron Jones; great grandchildren, Jalyn, Lily and Arden Jones, Abbagail and Faithlynn  Bullard, brother Johnnie, sister in laws Katie, Barbara and Regina, nephews Gary, Kenny and Andy Holloway, a host of “children”, “grandchildren,” great nieces, and great nephews and friends. As well as K-9 companions, Sadie Belle and Darcy.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Ray, Fred Jr., and Randy Holloway and nephews, Brian, Matthew, Gunner and Joshua.

To honor her life, read a book, go get a library card (and use it), spend quality time with children, speak up and be an advocate for those that need a voice, and to always be kind to others.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Richard Boles Funeral Service.

Funeral services will be Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Spring Hill Baptist Church with burial following in Springhill Cemetery. 

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