Mrs. Dessie Smith Holroyd, 93 years old, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025. She was born on Nov. 15, 1931, in Gastonia, N.C.
Dessie lived a long, happy life. She was always surrounded by children; they were her whole world. You could always find her in the kitchen cooking up a big meal to make sure no one would go hungry.
She was an antique store owner in Berlin, N.J., and in Daytona Beach, Fla. She was also a school crossing guard in both New Jersey and Virginia.
Dessie was preceded in death by her parents, Melissa Kenim and William Smith; her sister, Evelyn Alger, her husbands, William Hanna and John Holroyd Sr.; her sons, Larry Hanna, Garry Hanna, and Rick Hanna; and her stepson, John Patrick Holroyd.
She leaves to cherish her loving memories her son, John William Holroyd Jr. (Denise Holroyd); her daughter, Mary Pidgeon (David Pidgeon); her stepson, James Holroyd; her stepdaughter, Kathy Holroyd; her daughter-in-law, Betty Ann Holroyd; 17 grandchildren, and 36 great- grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
