Gail Elkins Holland

Gail Elkins Holland, 81, of Fayetteville, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2022.

She was born in Burlington, NC, to the late Clarence and Edna Elkins, on June 19, 1941.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Paul Wayne Holland; father and mother-in-law Paul and Lib Holland; and brother-in-law, Jimmy Holland.

Gail was a dedicated teacher at Horace Sisk Junior High, Terry Sanford High School, and The Fayetteville Academy for more than 40 years. Her expertise in teaching was always evidenced by the success of her many students. She enjoyed every day in the classroom as she shared her love for literature and poetry. Gail’s kindness, sense of humor, and ability to connect with students of all academic levels earned her the love and respect of each and every student she taught. For many years she led the Student Government Association at Terry Sanford High School where she developed numerous student leaders who went on to continue service to their communities. Gail followed with sincere interest the success and careers of her former students.

Gail was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society for women educators, in which she assumed leadership roles and met faithfully with fellow educators. In each school where she taught, Gail was a leader in the English Department and inspired other teachers with her positive attitude and enthusiasm for teaching.

As a member of Snyder Memorial Baptist Church in excess of 50 years, she taught Sunday School and served on multiple committees.  She was actively involved in the Junior League of Fayetteville and remains a Sustainer Member.  She was a proud member of Friends of the Library. 

Gail truly lived a full life in which she demonstrated her Christian faith each day. Her
faith in God and her love of family and friends were foremost in her life. She always put others before herself and lived a life of service to others. Although Gail’s life on earth has ended; her legacy of faithfulness and service will remain with all who knew her and called her friend. It can truly be said of Gail, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Left to cherish Gail’s memory are her daughters, Meredith Reilly and husband, Jim of Morehead City, and Merritt Gray of Lynchburg, VA; grandchildren, Rachel Rouse, Amber Reilly, and Ryan Rouse; sister, Jo Lucas; brother, Kenneth Elkins and wife, Lynn; nephew, Quinn; niece, Carly; sister-in-law Carolyn Holland; nephews Dereck and Patrick. 

The family will welcome friends from 10am to 11am on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, in the Gathering Hall at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church.  Her funeral will follow immediately at 11am in the Sanctuary.  The service will conclude with her burial at 1pm at Lafayette Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Library Cumberland Community Foundation, P.O. Box 2345, Fayetteville, NC 28302 or to 2022 Vision at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church at 701 Westmont, Fayetteville, NC 28305 (www.snydermbc.com).

Online condolences maybe expressed at www.sullivanshighland.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service & Crematory.