Mrs. Minnie Leola Mathis Hollingsworth was born Jan. 9, 1934 in Morgan County, Madison, the oldest of five children to the late Neal Mathis Sr. and Estella Adams Mathis. On that day was born one who throughout her life would personify faith, love, compassion and joy to all who became a part of her loving circle.
Minnie’s early childhood years were spent in Nashville, Tennessee with her aunt and uncle. She received her early education in Tennessee. Later her father brought her back to Social Circle, Georgia with the rest of the family, and she completed her high school education at the Social Circle Training School where she was valedictorian of her class.
Minnie met the love of her life, Thomas Hollingsworth, and the two entered holy matrimony on Nov. 25, 1956. To this union three children, Theodosia, Madeline, and Ronald were born. They were devoted and loving parents. Thomas and Minnie imparted the values of integrity, strong work ethic and compassion for others to their children. Minnie loved her children, but also extended her love to other children. For several years she was employed as the caretaker for the Gainer Family. She also was employed at several different Sewing plants. She was a great seamstress and sewed all her children’s clothes. The Hollingsworth’s house was a house with opened arms of love. Minnie, for several years, hosted Easter egg hunts for family members. The yard would be decorated, and the children enjoyed this annual tradition.
Minnie gave her life to Christ at a young age and joined Greater Moses Baptist Church in Rutledge, Georgia. After her marriage to Thomas, she joined Richard Chapel United Methodist Church where she served faithfully until her health declined.
Minnie, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend was preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas Hollingsworth; parents, Neal Mathis Sr. and Estella Mathis; brother, Neal Mathis Jr., and sisters, Lucile Mathis Mizell and Ceaser Ree Mathis Hubbard. She departed this life during the early morning hours of April 30, 2019 surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Minnie leaves to forever cherish her memories, two daughters, Theodosia Hollingsworth and Madeline McDaniel, one son, Ronald (Renee) Hollingsworth, four grandchildren, Chakira, Thalia, Tyra, and Deonte Hollingsworth and one sister, Joan Mathis Davis. She also leaves to cherish her memories, a goddaughter, April Green, a god-grandson, Keiven Rhodes, devoted cousin, Olivia Grier; in-laws, Helen Mathis, Goldie Hollingsworth, Frances Hollingsworth, James (Sandra) Hollingsworth, Margaret (Willie) Green, Shirley Hollingsworth, Frances Jenkins, Gloria Wilson, Beverly (James) Morgan, Jackie Pitts, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A funeral service was held at noon Tuesday, May 7 at Richards Chapel United Methodist Church, 426 Richards Chapel Road, Covington, with the Rev. Dr. Robert L. Melson officiating. Interment followed at Lawnwood Memorial Park.
Minnie Leola Hollingsworth wishes to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our family, friends, and neighbors, for all your acts of love and kindness shown during this time of bereavement.
