Jennie Louise Hollis

Jennie was born June 27, 1941, to Herman Ellis and Blanche Lee Rains Mims in Marthaville, LA. When she was seven years old, the Mims family moved to Jasper, TX. Jennie remained in Jasper for the rest of her life and was an active, dedicated member of her community. She loved her hometown and often shared fond memories of her classmates, her co-workers, her students, and her church family.

Jennie married Glendon (Buddy) Hollis of Jasper, TX, on September 2, 1961. They both attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX, and, upon graduation, returned to Jasper where Jennie began a lifelong career in education. She served as both a first grade teacher and an administrator for the Jasper school district. After retirement, Jennie continued her work as an educator by remaining deeply involved in church and community activities. She kept a constant watch over the many children in her life and was quick to share the wisdom of a first grade teacher--Be kind. Be your best. Be a protector of those who need your help.

Jennie is preceded in death by her parents Herman and Blanche Mims; her sisters Billie Joyce Mims, Mollie Nell Marshall, and Margaret Ellen Payne; and her niece Paige Ellen Payne. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Buddy Hollis; her daughter Kerry Susan Hollis Ballast and husband David Ballast; her son Steven Mims Hollis and wife Kristi Cloud Hollis; grandchildren David Jordan Ballast and wife Adriana, Laura Lee Ballast Conway and husband Eric, John Raines Ballast, TJ Smith, and Seth Steven Hollis; great grandchildren Quinn Louise Conway, James David Conway, Joe Kurtis Smith, Layne Smith, Kimber Smith, and Alli Smith; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jennie's life will be celebrated in a memorial service at First Methodist Church of Jasper on Saturday, August 19th, at 2:00 PM. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, please donate to any of the following: First Methodist Church of Jasper; the Jennie M. Hollis Scholarship Fund at Sam Houston State University, Office of University Advancement; or Hope Hospice of New Braunfels, TX.