Fay Holden

Fay Griffith Wharton Holden a beloved mother and grandmother entered into eternal rest on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at a private retirement home in Odessa, Texas.

Fay was borned on March 2, 1920 in Palestine, TX and lived there graduating from Palestine High School. She later went to hair dressing school and graduated to become a beauty operator. It was in Palestine, TX where she met her first husband, A.A. Wharton and they were married August 22, 1939.


Fay came to Odessa in 1952 with A.A. and their two children, Erion and Andrew to open G.F. Wackers Variety Store on East 8th Street and operated it for many years. They always taught the young singles in church.


Later Fay established her own real estate company and operated it in Odessa for several years. She later married Sidney J. Holden and they lived in Odessa until he retired from Odessa College as Dean of Registration and Records and they moved to Palestine, TX. Fay later returned to Odessa to be closer to her children and their families.


She is survived by her daughter, Erion Wharton Gaston and husband E. P. of Odessa one granddaughter, Debby Huckeba McCollum of Odessa three greatgranddaughters, Shauna McCollum of Odessa, Lori Jackson and husband Daniel of Weatherford, TX and Kayde McCollum of Odessa also three greatgreatgrandchildren, Skylar, Madi and Jaden brotherinlaw Randol Gilmore of San Antonio, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.


Fay had many talents as she could sew, crochet, knit and she played the piano and the organ. Her great smile will be missed by all of her family


She was preceded in death by her son, Aaron Andrew Charley Wharton Jr., her first husband, A.A. Wharton and her second husband Sidney J. Holden. Her parents Thomas Leroy Griffith and wife Mae Leslie Cook. Brother, William Leroy Griffith and wife Gladys Shelton. Sisters, Lottie Mae Griffith Johnston and husband Walter, Vivian Griffith Selman and husband Odell, Jennie Griffith, Madeline Griffith Cannon and husband Jack and Ruby Griffith Gilmore.


Memorial Service were held by Sam Rodriguez on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Grace Christian Fellowship in Odessa, Texas. Private burial will be in Palestine, Texas.

At the families request, in lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity.

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