Mary Elizabeth Hollowell

Mary Elizabeth Hollowell, age 94, died at home on January 24, 2023 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Mrs. Hollowell was born in Norfolk County to the late Rose and Ryland Becraft. As a child, Mary was a true tomboy, the youngest sibling of three and the only girl. She adored her older brothers Buddy and George. Mary’s childhood was enjoyed with extended family in Norfolk and as an adult she shared her time with extended family in Norfolk and Nags Head, NC. As a young teenager, she met William Brice Hollowell. They wed on May 28, 1944 and were blessed with 63 years of marriage in which they did practically everything together. Their son, William Lewis “Lew” Hollowell brought them much joy and was a focus of their life. Lew died in 2019. Mary drove a school bus for about 20 years and enjoyed interacting with the students. In the 1960s, Mary and Brice retired to Nags Head and lived in a home they had built there in the 1950s. Fishing, riding their Jeep, and visiting with nearby family were favorite activities. They spent considerable time working on homes built in Nags Head. They grew large, productive gardens on the land surrounding their home in Nags Head. The land is now Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Mary enjoyed traveling to Florida in the winter and the mountains in the spring and autumn. In later years, they moved to Virginia Beach in order to be closer to their son and grandchildren. Mary embraced life, stayed active, and was proud of her home and family. Mary’s family who will cherish her memory include: grandchildren Cynthia Sacripanti, Stephen Hollowell, Elizabeth Hollowell, Laura Gunther, and Fred Carter; great-grandchildren Anna, Zac, Laney, Natalie, Ella, Daniel, Seth, Star, Melanie, Stephanie, and Leah; great-great-grandchild, Lukas; and daughter-in-law, Maureen. As a grandmother, she was accepting, loving, present, and consistent. In memory of Mary, play a game of cards with those you love or enjoy a walk on the beach. Funeral Arrangements are under the care and direction of Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.