Winnie C. Holley, age 86, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. She was born on July 14, 1940, in Whitestone, Georgia, to David Champion and Dorothy Gartrell, and was the first baby ever born at Roper Hospital—an early milestone that marked the beginning of a life filled with joy, service, and devotion.

Winnie dedicated her career to teaching, shaping countless young lives with patience and kindness. After retiring, she embraced the things she loved most: traveling with her husband, taking mission trips, gardening, and cooking for family and friends. Her creativity, gentle spirit, and unwavering faith were evident in everything she did.

Winnie’s beloved husband, Thomas W. Holley, Jr., passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020. Due to Covid restrictions, the family was unable to hold a service at that time. Tom was born on May 8, 1938, to Faye and Thomas Holley, Sr. He taught high school math and coached softball before his career as a computer programmer. He retired from Lockheed and devoted much of his life to missions, leading numerous trips to Costa Rica and Hungary. He found joy in hunting, fishing, and serving others, and his enthusiasm and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. .

The love Winnie and Tom shared for their grandchildren was unmatched. Winnie always had crafts, activities, and special projects prepared for their visits, creating treasured memories. Tom was always ready for adventure—willing to do anything and everything the grandchildren dreamed up. Together, they built a legacy of love, laughter, and faith that will continue through the generations.

Both were deeply committed to their church families. Winnie was a joyful member of the Solid Rock Singers at Woodstock Baptist Church, and Tom served faithfully as a interim Youth Director at Roswell Street, where he also taught Sunday School. Their lives were a testament to their devotion to the Lord and their desire to serve Him wholeheartedly.

Winnie and Tom are survived by their daughters, Lori LeRoy and Kerry Long; and their grandchildren, David LeRoy, Kelly LeRoy, Chris Long, Emily Long, Lauren Long, Kyle Long, and Neylan Long. Winnie is also survived by her sister, Lydia (Jimmy) Hullender, and her brother, Randy (Freeda) Cumbee. They are preceded in death by a stillborn son; Winnie’s sisters, Nancy (Ernie) Howze and Jill McMurrian; and Tom’s sister, Jeanne (Frank) Mosley.

Mrs. Holley will be laid to rest beside her husband at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Jasper, Georgia.

A Celebration of Life honoring both Winnie and Tom will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at First Baptist Church Woodstock. Rev. Jim Law and Rev. Samuel McLeary will officiate. The family receive friends before the service from 2-3pm at the church.

Cagle Funeral Home and Sunrise Memorial Gardens are honored to serve the Holley family.