Doretha Jones Holland, lovingly known as “Mama,” “Grandma Doe,” “Aunt Doe,” and by her church family as “Mother Doretha,” peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family. On a day dedicated to celebrating mothers, God called home a woman who embodied the very meaning of motherhood, love, strength, prayer, and devotion. She was 95 years old.

Born on December 29, 1930, in Suffolk, Virginia, to Arizona B. Jones and Sidney H. Jones, Sr., Doretha lived a life rooted in faith, love, strength, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, great great great grandmother, aunt, and friend whose kindness and wisdom touched countless lives.

Doretha devoted her life to loving, nurturing, praying for, and caring for her family. She was the heart of her family, filling her home with laughter, prayer, love, and unforgettable memories. Together, she and her husband, Joseph Lee Holland, raised six children: Linda Holland Powell (Tyrone Powell), Joseph R. Holland (Patricia), Phyllis Holland Carter, Frederick C. Holland, Reginald C. Holland (Diaphine), and Alvin Holland (Tappata).

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her beloved children Joseph R. Holland (Patricia), Phyllis Holland Carter, and Reginald C. Holland (Diaphine), along with her cherished grandchildren: Paula (Russell), Michael, Tyrinda, Krissy (Brian), Alyssa (Tyree), Larry, Reginald, Reginette, Whitney, Jarratt, Alicia, Tajia, and Alvin, as well as a host of great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, great great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, church family, and dear friends.

Doretha was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Lee Holland; her children Linda Holland Powell, Frederick C. Holland, and Alvin Holland; her grandchildren Lonzer Ray Jr. and Frenando; her parents Arizona B. Jones and Sidney H. Jones, Sr.; her six sisters Rachel Joyner, Willie Mary Cross, Ernestine Jones, Elizabeth Foreman, Bessie Watson, and Janice Parker; and her two brothers Sidney H. Jones, Jr. and Jasper Jones.

Anyone who knew Doretha knew she was truly one of a kind. To her children she was lovingly known as “Mama,” to her grandchildren and younger generations as “Grandma Doe,” to many nieces and nephews as “Aunt Doe,” and to her church family as “Mother Doretha.” She had a witty spirit, a joyful personality, and could joke and laugh with anyone. She loved her family deeply and made sure everyone knew it, often saying, “Love you to life, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Doretha never missed a birthday. She would happily call and sing her special birthday song to the people she loved, making everyone feel celebrated and important. And when it came to her own birthday, she treated it like a national holiday and fully expected everyone to shower her with love, attention, and gifts, something her family lovingly laughed about and cherished.

Grandma Doe loved gifts and embraced modern technology with joy and humor. At 95 years old, she proudly used Cash App, Facebook, and knew how to use emojis very well, keeping up with family, sharing love, and bringing smiles to everyone she connected with.

She had a heart full of compassion and care. If someone was sick, she worried deeply, constantly checking on them, praying for them, and making sure they were alright until they recovered. Her love was nurturing, protective, and unconditional.

Doretha was a faithful member and servant of The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Portsmouth, Virginia, under the leadership of Presiding Bishop Nathan Thomas. She was deeply loved by many and looked upon as a true model of faith, grace, kindness, and strength. Her unwavering dedication to God, her family, and her church community left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Although she will be deeply missed, her family finds peace in knowing she is resting in the presence of the Lord. Her life was a true testimony of grace, endurance, faith, unconditional love, and laughter. Her memory and legacy will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.“Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23