Catherine Cole Holland
April 15, 1924 – November 15, 2021
Catherine Cole Holland, 97, passed away in her home Nov. 15, 2021. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Odes, and is survived by their children, Gloria, Carl and Kay.
Catherine was born on April 15, 1924, in Camden, S.C. Soon her family would move to the small rural town of Bethune, S.C., where she graduated from high school at the top of her class. During WWII, she contributed to our country working at the Office of Price Administration, distributing coupons for rationed items such as sugar, coffee and gas. She also volunteered to roll bandages and write letters of encouragement to those fighting the war. That is, until she caught the eye of a handsome sailor, our father, the love of her life, Odes, with whom she would share the next 67 years. As a young couple eager to build a life together, they knew Bethune offered few opportunities for security and success. Odes eventually joined a land developing company, which resulted in numerous moves throughout South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. With the company’s success the work expanded, including such projects as Venetian Isles, Vina Del Mar, Pasadena Isles and Apollo Beach. She and Odes, along with their growing family, remained in Florida, establishing their roots in the Tampa Bay area. In 1959 they built their first home on South Pasadena Isles. They would remain in that home until 1976, at which time they made their final move to Apollo Beach, designing and building a home overlooking Tampa Bay.
As her children moved on with their lives, Catherine was free to pursue her many interests. She was a talented artist, studying under the guidance of Sarasota artist Roy Nichols. One of her paintings was awarded first place in what eventually became the Manatee Arts Festival. Catherine’s talent was not confined to canvas. She also excelled in designing and painting ceramics, making delicate porcelain dolls, sewing impeccable needlepoint and numerous other mediums. Catherine also enjoyed reading, gardening and doing puzzles. She and Odes enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S., visiting all 50 states, as well as parts of Europe.
Faith guided every aspect of her life. With each move she found support and a sense of community in the church. She was a faithful contributor to her church. She and Odes, remembering those difficult times, were grateful to share their success.
She was a loyal friend as well as a devoted wife and mother. She will be greatly missed and remembered for her strength, kindness and compassion as she lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Catherine was born on April 15, 1924, in Camden, S.C. Soon her family would move to the small rural town of Bethune, S.C., where she graduated from high school at the top of her class. During WWII, she contributed to our country working at the Office of Price Administration, distributing coupons for rationed items such as sugar, coffee and gas. She also volunteered to roll bandages and write letters of encouragement to those fighting the war. That is, until she caught the eye of a handsome sailor, our father, the love of her life, Odes, with whom she would share the next 67 years. As a young couple eager to build a life together, they knew Bethune offered few opportunities for security and success. Odes eventually joined a land developing company, which resulted in numerous moves throughout South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. With the company’s success the work expanded, including such projects as Venetian Isles, Vina Del Mar, Pasadena Isles and Apollo Beach. She and Odes, along with their growing family, remained in Florida, establishing their roots in the Tampa Bay area. In 1959 they built their first home on South Pasadena Isles. They would remain in that home until 1976, at which time they made their final move to Apollo Beach, designing and building a home overlooking Tampa Bay.
As her children moved on with their lives, Catherine was free to pursue her many interests. She was a talented artist, studying under the guidance of Sarasota artist Roy Nichols. One of her paintings was awarded first place in what eventually became the Manatee Arts Festival. Catherine’s talent was not confined to canvas. She also excelled in designing and painting ceramics, making delicate porcelain dolls, sewing impeccable needlepoint and numerous other mediums. Catherine also enjoyed reading, gardening and doing puzzles. She and Odes enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S., visiting all 50 states, as well as parts of Europe.
Faith guided every aspect of her life. With each move she found support and a sense of community in the church. She was a faithful contributor to her church. She and Odes, remembering those difficult times, were grateful to share their success.
She was a loyal friend as well as a devoted wife and mother. She will be greatly missed and remembered for her strength, kindness and compassion as she lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.