Norlen A Holliday

Norlen Gaile Asbury Holliday, affectionately known as "Scottie" passed away Friday 29 December 2017 after a short illness, with her children by her side. She was born 29 October 1933 in Philadelphia, PA as the daughter of Helen Pine Asbury (1906 to 1982) and Norman B. G. Asbury (1906 to 1983).

Scottie attended Duke University and was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She spent 9 months traveling Europe after college and was married for 30 years to her beloved husband James B. "Jimmie" Holliday AIA. They moved to Siesta Key, Sarasota in 1960 never comprehending how beautiful and fruitful their lives would be together. Jim went on to become a well known award winning architect and part of the Sarasota School of Architecture involved in the design of such noteworthy buildings as Plymouth Harbor, The Terrace, Palm Bay Club Tower, Our House at The Beach and The Meadows and he predeceased her in 1985. Scottie then met her beloved life partner Dr. Dana King and spent the past 31 years faithfully committed to each other. Together they sailed the Bahamas, Florida Keys and Berry Islands on their good sloop "Blue Yonder" while also enjoying the beach, sunshine and warm gulf waters off Turtle Beach on Siesta Key.

Scottie and Jim were Founding Members of Siesta Key Chapel and Jim was significantly involved in the master planning and design of the church campus as well as the main sanctuary building affectionately called "God's Tree House". Scottie was a Masters Swimming Champion and posted many first place wins and set meet records in the backstroke and freestyle divisions. She was ranked in the top 10 in the US National Masters in 1974 and continued to enjoy swimming until her last days.

Scottie and Jim are survived by 3 children: Michael along with his wife Beverly residing in Santa Barbara, CA as well as grandchildren Erik along with his wife Jillian; Neil and Russell. Son Craig along with his wife Lisa residing in Sarasota and grandchild Gabrielle. Daughter Suzanne along with her husband Andy residing in Gainesville as well as 5 grandchildren Christine, Daniel, Mathew, Madeline and Caleb. Scottie is also survived by her brother Brooke Guy Asbury of Sarasota. Lastly, Scottie and Jimmie will be fondly remembered by the countless Sarasota youth of the 1970's and 80's whom they adopted as their own, hosting numerous memorable parties celebrating the love of family, friends and life on Siesta Key featuring surfing slide shows and some of Sarasota's best live Rock and Roll and Bluegrass music.

Friends will not be surprised to learn that Scottie maintained her great sense of optimism and faith until her last hours when she stepped into eternity with her personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The smile on her face and the final words she uttered before she passed into heaven were "Oh Yes, Oh Yes!" In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Siesta Key Chapel or Tidewell Hospice. The Holliday family also wishes to thank the Tidewell Hospice Staff, her attending Physicians as well as the staff at The Fountains for their unparalleled compassion and care during this past year.

A celebration of Scottie's life will be held at Siesta Key Chapel at a future date to be determined when family and friends from around the country can join us. Sign the guestbook at: heraldtribune.com/obituaries.