Verna C. "Babe" Hollis
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Memorial for Verna C. Hollis
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Born in Parmele, NC on Jan. 28, 1918
Departed on Sep. 30, 2009 and resided in Chester, PA.
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| Visitation: |
Friday, Oct. 9, 2009
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| Service: |
Friday, Oct. 9, 2009
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| Cemetery: |
Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery
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Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.
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Verna Hollis was born "Verna Little" on January 28, 1918 in Parmale, North Carolina, to the parents of Richard and Etta Little. She was lovingly known as "Babe" to close family and friends. Verna was the 7th child of the 7th child and had 13 siblings. At the tender age of 19, Verna migrated from her home in North Carolina. She moved to Chester in 1937, where she resided since. She later met and married the late Rudolph Hollis and they raised three children: the late Marvenia (Little) Robinson, Rudolph Hollis, Jr., and Saadia Hollis-Allen.
During World War II, she supported America's war effort by working as a welder at the local shipping dock in Chester. Full of ambition and hearty entrepreneurial spirit, Verna decided to attend beauty school to eventually manage her own salon. During the Harry S. Truman Presidential era, Verna was able to attend Apex Beauty Academy and graduated top in her class, March 14, 1946. She became a female entrepreneur successful business woman during an era when females and African Americans were targets of tremendous bigotry and civil right violations; yet, she succeeded against the odds.
On Saturday December 27, 2003 at the City Hall Community Room VIPs, family and friends honored the legacy of Verna "Babe" Hollis, for her long-term service in the Chester community as a small business owner and humanitarian. Verna received written citations recognizing her life's work from President George Bush and Education Secretary Rod Paige, Gov. Edward G. Rendell, Congressman Robert Brady, State Sen. Dominic Pileggi, and State Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland.
Verna lived and passed away with dignity at home in the presence of family and friend on September 30, 2009. She was well cared for by Crozer Hospice workers, sister in law Flobell Reed, grand daughter Darcel, and close friends of the family Iretha Hill, Ashiki Prince and Earleen Prince. Many family, friends and neighbors called upon her and prayed for her each day. She appreciated everybody's care and concern for her.
Verna was preceded in death by her husband Rudolph Hollis, and daughter Marvinia Robinson. Verna is survived by her son Rudolph Hollis Jr., daughter Saadia Hollis-Allen and her husband Lynwood Allen, 10 grand children, 16 great-grand children, and five great-grand children, three sisters, many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
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