Mollie I. Holbert

Visitation Location:
11:00 a.m. - 12 noon on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Scales & Sons Funeral Home, Murfreesboro, TN

Graveside Service:
1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Willow Mount Cemetery, Shelbyville, TN

Obituary:
Mollie Irene Holbert was born February 24, 1927 in Shelbyville, TN. She was the fifth child born from the union of Albert Lee Bailey and Nellie Lee Thompson Bailey. She was known to many as "Irene". Her sibings, Rose (Thomas) Cleveland, Albert Bailey, Jr., Juanita (John) Goudelock, Rufus Henry and Fannie "Roberta" (James) Johnson, preceded her in death.

"Irene" professed her faith in Christ at an early age and was a faithful and long-time member of St. Timothy's Catholic Church and Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Garfield Heights. "Irene" was a bright student, graduating from Bedford County Training School and attending college at Tennessee State University.

She married her childhood sweetheart, Benjamin I. "Sonny" Holbert, Jr., on May 4, 1947. This union lasted 37 years until he preceded her in death. Through the holy matrimony, three children were born: Patricia Anita, Brenda Irene and Benjamin Isaiah, III.

"Irene" worked 32 years for the Cleveland Municipal School Districe as a clerk in the adult education division. In this capacity, she met countless students and teachers and she inspired adults and youth alike to embrace education and fulfill their dreams. She was quick to remind many about the "guardian Angels" around family and friends, providing protection and reassurance in times of need. In retirement, she enjoyed gardening, singing, writing letters to friends, talking on the telephone and providing all who knew her, words of encouragement.

She departed this life February 7, 2012 at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus. "Irene" joins her only son-in-law, Will Pendleton who went to glory on October 9, 2010. She leaves to cherish her loving memory, Patricia Pendleton, Brenda, Ben (Joyce) and her devoted nephew, Ronald Cunningham; also leaving to mourn her loss 11 grandchildren, two great grandsons and a host of relatives and friends who loved her dearly.

Her funeral was Tuesday, February 14, 2012, 1:00 p.m. at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church (4341 E. 131 Street, Cleveland, OH).