SUFFOLK—Ethel Laverne Holland died April 1, 2008, in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

She was born in Southampton County to the late Phillip R. Joyner Sr. and Ethel L. Hill Joyner.

Mrs. Holland graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1970 and received her degree in applied science from Tidewater Community College in 1974.

She also attended Virginia University of Lynchburg School of Religion, and received the Bachelor of Arts in religious studies in 2005 and, at the time of her death, was studying for her Master’s of Divinity degree.

She was employed by the Suffolk Health Department for 32 years.

She was a faithful and dedicated member of First Baptist Church, Mahan Street.

She served on the Trustee Ministry, and was past chairperson and member of the Senior Usher Ministry, Board of Christian Education, a Sunday School teacher, member of the Bereavement Ministry and Membership Committee, past member of the Mothers Club, and vice chairperson of the Pastor Search Committee. She also served on several community organizations, Health and Human Services, was a car seat instructor and outreach worker.

Her love for her family, church and community and her gentle and kind nature blessed the lives of all who knew her.

Survivors include her devoted husband, Wilbur Holland Jr.; her two daughters, Tamia Holland of Chesapeake and Torian Lewis (Tony) of Norfolk; sister, Gloria Jean Rutledge of Clinton, Md.; brothers, Benjamin Kelly Joyner of Suffolk and Phillip R. Joyner Jr. (Bessie) of Hethzibah, Ga.; and grandchildren, Brionda Lewis, Talia Copeland and Isyss Lewis.

Fond memories of her will also be cherished by many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and friends, including special friends, Alice Graves, Rose Davis, Linda Mason and Ellen Gary.

A service to celebrate her life was held Monday in First Baptist Church, Mahan Street, by the Rev. Steven G. Blunt.

Interment was in the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.

Crocker Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com