Delores Jean Holloway Halligan was born in Jacksonville, Illinois on February 2, 1935, to parents Ray and Nina (Dubbel) Holloway, joining her sister, Joyce Elaine Holloway. They lived on the family farm, before moving into town when the girls were teenagers. Delores excelled in school, particularly impressing the business teacher with her accuracy.
She met John Halligan in high school; they graduated together in 1952 and married in 1956. They brought four children into the world: Jean Elaine, Linda Gay, Deann Marie, and Glenn David. Following the course of John’s career, the family lived in various towns in the Mid-West, eventually relocating to Jacksonville, Florida, where Delores remained after their divorce. As the children got older, Delores took college courses and entered the workforce, becoming an accomplished legal secretary. Her longest positions were with Harold Haimowitz, Barry Bobek, Holland & Knight, and lastly, Boyd & Sutter. Through her example, she instilled a solid work ethic in her children.
Going to church and growing in her faith was a priority to Delores throughout her life. She was a member of Arlington Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Jacksonville, Florida for 48 years, serving in multiple capacities, including as a deacon. All four children continued in this way, finding spiritual nurture through the Christian faith and a place of active service through the church.
She was a meticulous seamstress and an excellent cook, often showing her love by preparing delicious meals and sharing baked goods. Like many of the Holloways of her growing up years, Delores enjoyed dance, and she pursued competitive ballroom dancing, saying that it made her feel “alive.”
During the last few years of her life, Delores managed several health issues. She passed away suddenly from natural causes, September 28, 2019, at age 84.
Delores is survived by a number of extended family members, as well as her four children and their families:
Jean (Steve) Vandergrift
and their son Nathan (Alena Harrison) Vandergrift,
Linda (Doug) Pitts
and their son Dan (Hannah Neikirk),
and grandchildren Ellis and Jude Pitts,
and their daughter Ashlee (Roman) Welch,
and grandchild Emmarie Welch,
Deann (Hank) Anderson
and their children Heath and Kara Anderson,
Glenn (Kerri Cook) Halligan
and their children Greyson, Kendall, Ethan, Nolan (deceased), and Lily Halligan.
We honor Delores as a loyal friend, a devoted Christian, and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)
Friends are invited to Visitation on Friday, October 4 from 4-6 PM, the Celebration of Life service, Saturday, October 5 at 10 AM, and the Committal following, all at Greenlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32207. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arlington Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 8075 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211, or to the charity of your choice.
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