Rose Zella Holley

Rose Zella Holley, 88, of Shawnee, Oklahoma passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at her home.

She was born August 10, 1932 to James and Hazel (Bowker) Bryant in Blackburn, Oklahoma. 

Rose was raised in Pawnee. She later traveled a lot between Oklahoma, California and New Mexico, where she would meet her future husband, James Holley, Sr. and they were married on March 25, 1951 in Carlsbad, New Mexico.  In 1961 they moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma where they made their home and raised their family. 

Rose worked as a machinist for Eaton Corporation for 20 plus years.  She also owned and operated Rose’s Salon in Shawnee for many years. 

She was a member of Praise Assembly in Shawnee.  Rose had made a decision to follow Christ as a young girl and lived a loving Christian example before her family. 

Rose enjoyed sewing, playing cards, dancing and knitting. 

She was preceded in death by her son, James Travis Holley, Jr.; daughter, Rose “Annette” Davis; grandson, Michael James Holley; her parents, James and Hazel Bryant; 3 sisters; and 5 brothers. 

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, James T. Holley, Sr. of the home; 4 sons and 3 daughters-in-law, George and Kathy Holley of Oklahoma City, OK, Dean and Ann Holley of Lebanon, MO, Chris Holley of Shawnee, OK and Lonnie and Kim Holley of Shawnee, OK; 16 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren and 1 on the way; 4 sisters, Frankie Coats, LaJuan Cult, Ethel Graves and Anita Smith; and other extended family and friends.

Visitation will be 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 11, 2021 and continue through service time.  Service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 12, 2021 at Praise Assembly in Shawnee with Reverend Kevin Jennings and Dr. Joseph Jones officiating. Burial will follow at New Zion Cemetery in Chandler under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.

Please join the celebration of Rose’s life through Cooper Funeral Home’s Facebook page for live streaming of the service.