Mary Lee Privette Holden

Mary Privette Holden was born in Middlesex, NC in the O’Neal Township

to Dossie and Beatrice Privette in 1940. She was the third oldest of seven

siblings. Mary attended Johnson Country Training School (J.C.T.S) and

graduated in 1958. She continued her education in California and obtained

a degree from Santa Ana Community College in Business Administration.

In 1960 she married the love of her life, United States Marine Willie Holden

Jr. As a military wife she lived in various places. Two of her favorites were

Hawaii and California. Mary loved to travel. One of her favorite destinations

was Africa.

Throughout her career, Mary used her charisma and charm to gain success,

especially in sales. In 1982 Mary was promoted to sales director with Mary

Kay cosmetics earning the coveted pink Cadillac. She also later became an

Elite Salesperson with Kay Jewelers

Mary loved family! She took pride in raising her daughter Deidra, and

grandsons Robert and Christian. She also loved her Pastor and church

family! She was a dedicated member at New Generations Christian Church

and was the First church Mother and served on the Mother Board. In 2013

she was recognized as a Mother of the year honoree for the Johnston

County Branch of the NAACP .

As much as she loved her family, she also loved her community and put that

love into action, volunteering for many years with “Preparing to Soar”, a

community outreach program supporting disadvantaged youth, and the

Local chapter of the North Carolina Democratic Party.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory, her Sister, Betty Joyner of Philadelphia,

PA, Daughter Deidra Johnson, Grandsons Robert Johnson and Christian

Lynch, two Goddaughters Della Mervin and Samanthia Cook, and a host of

other relatives and friends.

God saw you were getting tired, so, he wrapped his arms around you

and said, “come to me”