Zo Ella Holley

Zo Ella (or Zoie) Holley, 85, passed away on February 28, 2024, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She was born on January 13, 1939, in Ozark, Arkansas to Weaver and Mary Lee Whitson.  She graduated from Ozark High School in 1956.  While in High School she enjoyed the marching band and especially being the drum major.  Post High School she went to nurse’s school in Fort Smith.  She was at the top of her class, but didn’t ever finish as they wouldn’t allow nursing students to get married!  

Zo married the absolute love of her life, Walter Cameron Holley on February 23, 1957.

She shared 58 years of marriage with her late husband, Walter Cameron Holley. During their marriage, Walter worked for Halliburton and Zo made a wonderful home for them along with their daughter.  They lived for a while in Fort Smith, Arkansas,Mansfield, Many, and Bossier City, Louisiana. In 1968 they returned to Ozark starting a new chapter in life working with Zo’s dad at Anderson-Whitson Motor Company.  That began a 25 plus year long career with Ford Motor, Co.  

Zo loved living in Ozark!  She directed the Chancel choir at the Presbyterian Church and the community choir for many years. She was involved in The Little Theatre and participated in many performances, her favorite play being “Steel Magnolias”.  

She mastered the art of playing bridge with her friends and parents.  Zo loved playing golf. She and Walter took many adventures in their motor home exploring various golfing locations.  They loved going to Branson in their motor home.  There they could golf and shop!  

After they retired from the car business (which by this time was Holley Ford) they moved to Mountain Home, AR to be near their daughter and son-in-law and grandchildren.  It was a wonderful decision for everyone!  They attend just about all of the activities that their grandchildren were in.  They loved taking their grandchildren just about anywhere they wanted to go!  They took Cameron to several golfing matches and Hollye went on road trips to the beach!

“Zoie” as she was frequently called, enjoyed getting to know and love her 3 great-grandsons and they loved her as well!  She will be missed by them.

They joined the First United Methodist Church in Mountain Home and were very active there.  Again, Zo sang in the choir for many years adding so much to the group. 

After moving to Mountain Home, Zo worked for several years at Burnett, Croom, Lincoln, Paden clinic where she made many close friends and enjoyed helping patients.

Zo is survived by her daughter, Kellye (Michael) Cannon of Mountain Home, AR; grandson, Cameron (Lauren) Cannon of Jasper, AR; granddaughter, Hollye Lee of Mountain Home, AR; great-grandsons, Cannon Lee, Corbin Cannon and Easton Cannon and her loyal companion, her dog Buttercup.

Friends and family are invited to attend the services to celebrate Zo’s life. The visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church in Mountain Home on March 4, 2024, starting at 9:00 AM, followed by the Funeral Service at 10:00 AM. The Graveside Service will be at Highland Cemetery in Ozark, Arkansas, at 4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church in Mountain Home.

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Friends may leave condolences and visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.