Sister Delois Hollinger
September 22, 1959 – July 29, 2026

Sister Delois Hollinger, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, completed her earthly journey in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

A native of Blakely, Early County, Georgia, Delois was the youngest of eight (8) children born to the union of the late Brother John Lester Hollinger and the late Sister Florene Jordan Hollinger, on September 22, 1959. While initially named Delores, an error on her birth certificate, handwritten by the attending midwife, spelled her name “Delois.”

She accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age and was a faithful member of Wesley Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where her great-grandfather, Rev. Giles D. Jordan was one of the church’s earliest pastors. Her grandfather, Rev. John T. Jordan, also served Wesley Chapel as associate pastor. Upon moving to Tallahassee in 1987, she joined the Pentecostal Church of God, Inc. on Paul Russell Road, where she served as a faithful member. In 2001, she joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, remaining a faithful member for more than 25 years. She also enjoyed attending services at Greater St. Mark Primitive Baptist Church, where her son serves as an associate minister and likewise loved worshipping the Lord wherever the opportunity presented itself.

Affectionately known as “DeeDee” by close family and friends, she was educated in the public schools of Early County, graduating with honors in 1977 from Early County High School. Possessing a kind and warm personality, a voracious appetite for reading, a talent for crunching numbers and studious sensibilities, her mother was insistent that she attend college. She began her collegiate matriculation at Albany State University, before transferring to Troy State University, later completing further study at Florida A&M University. She graduated from Troy State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Mathematics in 1985. Additionally, she went on to earn the Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University in 2010.

A woman of remarkable intelligence, dedication, and quiet excellence, she devoted much of her professional life to serving Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). She began her career at the University in 1987 as Coordinator for Administrative Services in the Division of Agricultural Research within the College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA). During her distinguished 23-year tenure, she provided exemplary leadership in administrative affairs, human resources, payroll management, research budgeting, employment contract administration, and the preparation of research project reports for the United States Department of Agriculture. She also faithfully served as Assistant to Dr. Sunil K. Pancholy, then Associate Dean for Research, earning a reputation for professionalism, precision, and unwavering dependability.

Gifted with exceptional computer skills and a natural aptitude for emerging technology, she became widely recognized throughout the FAMU campus and the broader community as the person to call whenever technical expertise was needed. Long before computer proficiency became commonplace, she was admired for her ability to install and configure operating systems, troubleshoot complex computer issues, and assist faculty, administrators, and staff with a wide range of technological challenges. Her willingness to share her knowledge and her patient, generous spirit endeared her to colleagues across the University.

Her outstanding work earned the confidence and respect of generations of University leadership. Throughout her career, she served with distinction under several Deans of CESTA, including Dr. Charles C. Kidd, Sr., Dr. Robert R. Bradford, Dr. Bobby R. Phills, and Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. She retired from Florida A&M University in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of faithful service, professionalism, and countless lives enriched through her dedication and expertise.

Prior to joining Florida A&M University, she worked as Cashier and Accountant for Anglin Groceries, where she managed daily business operations, maintained financial records, prepared tax documents, supervised inventory, and provided administrative support to the store's owner. She began her professional journey at TG&Y Department Store, where she developed a strong work ethic while serving as a cashier and sales associate, assisting customers, managing inventory, and working in the sewing and arts and crafts department. These early experiences helped shape the diligence, integrity, and commitment to excellence that became the hallmark of her life's work.

Delois adored her children, Wintress Kumari Hollinger (born 1992) and Delaitre Jordan Hollinger (born 1993). They were her pride and joy, and she made it her life’s mission to teach them about Jesus Christ, as well as to expose them to educational excellence, civic duty, culture, community and black pride. She was very much involved in Wintress and Delaitre’s early mentorship through Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Big Bend. Wherever she saw her children showing an interest, she would go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that she fed that interest; whether it be piano, clarinet, trumpet, flute, football, guitar, reading, singing, painting, or dancing. She was an active volunteer and chaired the Parent Teacher Association (PTO) at Leonard Wesson Elementary School, where she earned the respect of teachers, principals and school board member Maggie Lewis-Butler. She continued to nurture her children and instilled in them the importance of voter education and registration by involving them in children’s voting and having them accompany her when she worked local voting polls.

She thoroughly enjoyed fishing (in rain, sleet, or snow), swimming, attending her Lincoln Neighborhood Center Senior Citizens Group, serving on the Public Relations Committee at her church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; and she never missed an opportunity to help anyone who was in need. She was overjoyed that she received the opportunity to take her “Wish of a Lifetime” trip to Denver, Colorado, and go ice fishing. This was one of her most treasured experiences.

She is survived by her daughter, Wintress Kumari Hollinger and her son Delaitre Jordan Hollinger, both of Tallahassee, FL; grandson Malcolm Quamane Edwards, Jr. of Salt Lake City, UT; sisters Blondell Hollinger, Linda Hollinger Sleasman (both of Tallahassee), Loretta Hill (Malone, FL), and Elayne Hollinger (Dave Gayden) of Lexington, KY; brothers James Hollinger (Zephyrhills, FL) and John “Bubba” Hollinger of Semi Valley, CA; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends.