Mary L. Hollis was born on June 15, 1924 in Nashville, Tennessee to parents Mattie Lee Coleman and Robert House. She was preceded in death by both parents, Granddaughter Mary Smith, Grandson Tony Newberry, Great-Granddaughter Ariel Chapmon, Daughter-in-law Caroline Stewart, and special Cousins on the Stevens and Polk families.
She became a member of the Perry Burroughs Democratic Club where she was first invited to help out at the Democratic Headquarters. Mary often said her love for the service to the Democratic Party began with the wonderful people who she met while working at campaign headquarters, while serving as a state or national convention delegate, and while serving on local and state campaigns.
Despite the long hours, she said the work was exciting and rewarding whether she was working on a local campaign, helping to select a local candidate, or being a delegate at a state or national convention.
In 1976, she was a delegate for the National Convention to elect Jimmy Carter as President. In 1988, she was a National Convention Delegate to elect William "Bill" Clinton as President. Her fondest memories include meeting and talking with former President Jimmy Carter, who always called her by full name, "Mary Hollis," when he would see her. Her fondest memories also included time she spent and working with the late Senator John Glenn. Former President William "Bill" Clinton as well as former Vice President Al Gore continues to send her cards at Christmas and birthdays.
Mrs. Mary Hollis loved the Lucas County Democratic Party along with its many candidates and public officials. She always was willing to serve along with the Lucas County Democratic Party’s Chairman. She served as a member of the Executive Committee as well as the Screening Committee. Mrs. Hollis worked tireless hours for many local officials. She never turned anyone down who needed help on the campaign trail.
She supported and worked for many candidates in around Lucas County. The likes of former late State Representative Casey Jones, former Mayors Harry Kessler, Douglas DeGood, John McHugh, Carleton S. "Carty" Finkbeiner, and Jack Ford. Former Mayor Jack Ford called Mary Hollis, Quote: “A Big Player” in Democratic Politics! She worked with former City Council members such as Nelson Grace, Elenore Khale, Bill Copeland, Gene Cook, Peter Uvagi, along with Judicial Officers Judge Robert Franklin, Judge Robert Penn, and Judge Charles Doneghy. Her service also included former United States Senator John Glenn, current United States Senator Sherod Brown, and United States House of Representative Marcy Kaptur to whom she was very close to and personal.

Mrs. Mary Hollis has received numerous awards and certificates including: The "AL Gore" 2000 Recognition and Appreciation Award winner for Service as an honorary member of the National Democratic Steering Committee. The 1995 Geraldine F. Macemwane "Democrat of the Year" Award for faithful service. The 1990 Artistic Designers #27 Award for Outstanding Dedication and Community Service. She was the 2001 Phenomenal Women's Empowerment Award Winner sponsored by L'aime Incorporated.
Her Associations include: Perry Burroughs Democratic Women's Club, National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, Democratic Business Professional Woman's Club, The Black Elected Democrats of Ohio, The Democratic Central Committee, NAACP, The Black Women Caucus, and the National Democratic Club of Washington DC.
Mrs. Mary Hollis, was a faithful and devoted member of the Jerusalem Baptist Church where she served on the Mothers Board. She LOVED Jerusalem Baptist Church. Her love and compassion for the late Dr. H. M Crenshaw, and current Pastor Dr. W. L. Perryman Jr. was immeasurable whereas she always remembered them on their birthdays, Christmas Seasons and Anniversaries with many, many gifts of love. She received the Women of the Year at Jerusalem Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Crenshaw.
She later was appointed to the "Mother's Board" by Dr. Perryman. Finally, Mrs. Mary Hollis was a Women of Fashion at Jerusalem. She always embraced her church attendance with the latest and finest of fashions of many colors, of Furs and Mink coats, Hats, Suits, and Gloves with Matching Shoes.
Mama Hollis leaves to cherish her memories; Son, Jerry Stewart, Daughter, Linda Smith, Grandchildren, Myron (Lucy) Noble, Ervin L Smith III, Hope Williams, and Tinesha Smith. Great Grandchildren, N'Quan Smith, Christopher Cardell, C'Naye Smith, Brandon Smith, Jasmin Jenkins, DaVon Smith, Day'Vion Smith, DaMarion Smith, and Damiyah Smith-Walker. She also leaves a host of Great-Great Grandchildren, Cousins, and special friends including House of
Representative Marcy Kaptur, and Debbie Whiting; godson, Mr. Larry Jones.

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