Viva Jean Holbert

Viva Jean Holbert was the daughter of the late Mr. J.C. Russell and Mrs. Ellena Russell, born April 30, 1940. Sis Holbert was raised in Kilgore, Texas. She united with the church at an early age. She attended C.B. Dansby School and played the clarinet in the band. Later she moved to Houston, Texas and made it her home.

She entered into the gates of Heaven October 8, 2024 slept peacefully in the arms of her children, surrounded by family and friends.

Psalm 121:1-2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, From whence my help. Verse 2 My help cometh from the LORD, Which made the heaven and earth.

Viva Jean married her childhood friend and the love of her life, the late Glen Holbert Sr. She was devoted to her husband for 49 years. They united at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor W.G. Wright followed by Pastor William R. Lott. Later she and her husband united at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Edwin A. Davis where she remained faithful until her death.

Viva Jean family was created by God and of God, she and her husband devoted to raising their son’s and daughter’s as one never using the word stepchildren. Her children meant the world to them, and it showed not only was she the mother of the Holbert children but many more was blessed and natured in love. She alongside her husband took their children to Sunday school, church service, and Vacation Bible School.

Madea loved her children and taught them the necessities of life to become responsible Christ like adults. Madea’s Children: Glen Holbert Jr. (Sandra), Willie Holbert (Toni), Phillip Holbert (Florida deceased), Tracy Holbert (deceased)(Kimberly), Reginald Holbert, Tanya Holbert, Bridgette Holbert and John Holbert (Raynette). Godchildren: Otis Mitchell Jr. and Lee Mitchell and a host of children that were welcome in her home as if they were her own children. The Ezzard Charles Street families held a very special place in her heart.

Though she loved being a Homemaker, family reunions and fishing, Madea’s favorite role was being a grandparent. She reassured her time with the grandkids and loved being their Granny/Grandma, never failing to teaching them about Jesus Christ or praying with them and for them.

Sis Viva Jean Holbert was an active member of Galilee Missionary Baptist. She lived in Houston for over 50 years. She was a faithful member, and always ready to serve on God program to glorify God. She was a member of the Ushers, Nurse-Aides and Greeters Ministry. She joined the Greeters Ministry on April 15, 2006. Her serving as a Greeter, had been a joy and a blessing. She was appointed as the Greeters Supervisor in 2007.

Viva Jean was preceded in death by J.L. Russell, James C. Russell, and Lillie Mae Elder and is survived by Her brother Arthur James Russell of Dallas Texas and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends residing in Houston, Texas, Kilgore, Texas, Dallas, Texas, Longview, Texas, Waco, Texas, and Overton, Texas.

A visitation for will be held Friday, October 25th, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Houston, TX 77088. Funeral Services will immediately follow from from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church located at 6616 D. S. Bailey Ln. Houston Texas 77088. Immediately following services will be the committal from 1:30pm to 1:45pm at Paradise North Cemetery, 10401 W. Montgomery Rd., Houston, TX 77088.