Many know Chrys Holley by her opinionated letters to the editor in local media; they may know her from her diligent efforts in community service, but she would have folks know her first and foremost by her love for God.
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“My life began when I met Jesus and He became my Lord and Savior. I praise God for being born again,” she said and she’s not ashamed to be candid.
“It’s okay to talk about religion and politics. It’s what makes the world go around.” Holley said she both respects and admires those who disagree with her views. “It’s okay if they disagree. At least they have an opinion and are willing to share,” she said.
Knowing what you believe and put it to work is important, she said. Advocacy has always been a big part of her life.
Now at 85 years old, Holley said, “I don’t always remember it all, but it’s been fun,” she said.
Born to European parents of Greek ancestry in Salem, Massachusetts on October 29, 1930, her family moved to New Jersey when she was just an infant. Holley said she never went to church regularly. “The nearest Greek Orthodox church was 125 miles away,” she said. In 1948, her family moved to Turkey and in 1954 to Greece.
She said it was in Athens, Greece when she met her husband, Dr. John C. Holley. She said she was working for the Department of Defense as a secretary and he kept walking by her office.
“He thought I was cute,” Holley said and laughed. “It was 1953. I was cute.”
She said Doctor Holley was in the Air Force. “He was too shy to ask me for a date. So, I asked him to take me to a dance.” Even though as circumstances would have it, they never made it to the dance. After three months of dating, he asked her to marry him. She accepted. They were married December 2, 1959.
Holley worked at the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta while her husband worked his residency at Emory. After arriving in Milton in July, 1963, with two children, John and Glen, she immediately began her local volunteer work. “Kyle and David were born in Milton,” she said. Holley said she always makes it a point to stay busy and help others.
“I started volunteer work at 14 as a Candy Striper at a local hospital during World War II in 1945,” she said.
Growing up, Holley said she thought she knew about God, but was surprised at the difference her real relationship with Jesus made in her life.
“I didn’t get saved and sold out to Jesus until 1973,” she said with a smile. “When I moved here, I heard how this was supposed to be the Bible belt. I was surprised to discover that many in this Bible belt attend church only at Easter and Christmas as my family did up north. I wasn’t saved. No one told me about having a relationship with my Savior.” She’s made it a point to share the Gospel herself.
Holley said she enjoyed working alongside her husband in his office. She spoke of a wonderful rapport with his patients, who sometimes reminded her through the years that she laid hands on them, praying for them while they were waiting on a baby.
“I felt like a part of his life then, when he came home after talking to women all day. I praise God for allowing us to work as a team,” she said.
After her husband’s death in February, 1997, Holley continued to work in the community and speak about serious issues, she said, that nobody wantedto talk about.
She advocates never compromising principals. “I admire those who have the courage of their convictions, even though they may not agree with me,” she said, “At least they have some.”
She talks openly about abortion.
She talks about Israel.
She talks about politics.
She talks about patriotism.
She talks about the importance of motherhood. But mostly, she talks about service to her Lord and Savior.
“I told God, back in 1973—I love my husband and my family—but they didn’t die for me. I am willing to go, do, and say what He wanted. “
Her faith has been tested. She said she’s had three miscarriages, three near death experiences, lost her husband, fought cancer, and survived a serious auto accident. She said she’s always, “kept on keeping on.”
Her son, Kyle, said his mother’s diligent work was constant throughout his life.
“Her advocacy is a consistent theme,” he said. “She loves her community, friends and even her critics. She thinks about the future. Mother cares about what’s going on,” he said. “I agree with her attitude of gentleness and compassion. Why would someone want to get up in the morning if not to have an opinion and do something. Her concern is genuine and straight up,” he said.
At this point in life, Holley focuses on her prayer ministry.
“It’s my greatest joy,” she said, “sharing Jesus with whomever God passes by. I have an awesome God whose love for all mankind was demonstrated by Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.”
Anna Cates, Holley’s prayer partner for 10 years, said the prayer time they spent together daily has made a difference in her life.
“Chrys is a special person. I’m proud to call her my friend. We’ve spent many hours together praying for our families, our country, our military, our local political leaders. We pray about everything,” she said. Cates said she met Holley at FirstBaptistChurch in Milton. She said Holley encouraged her to join the group Women for Responsible Legislation, for whom Holley worked. Cates is now living in Panama City, she said, but she and Holley still pray together regularly.
“Chrys has done a lot of good things and she’s still involved,” she said.
Jean Amos, Columbus, GA, another prayer partner for over 40 years and former Milton resident, said they’ve seen many prayers answered. “You know, it’s like the verse. Matthew 18:20 says, ‘Where two are more are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Amos said the prayer ministry is rewarding for her, personally. “I know I can always call her if there is a need in Columbus, Georgia. She calls me if there is a need in Milton. We feel this is our calling. Wherever God sends us is where we need to work for him,” she said.
Amos said her friendship with Holley also keeps her connected with Milton. “I love Milton and the people. I spent many happy years there,” she said.
As a mother of 4 and grandmother of 3, Holley said she prays for her family daily. “The most important decision one can make is to prepare for eternity.”
- As a teenager: “Service to others is the rent we pay for occupying space on Earth.”
- In her adult years: “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.”
- Senior years: “Only one life ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
CHRYS HOLLEY'S 3 MOTTOS FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Why not be candid?