Holland, Jean Baggett

In Honor of Jean Baggett Holland

This page is donated in honor of Jean Baggett Holland's birthday on December 23, 2004.

On December 23, 1932, Hubert and Leora Simmons Baggett welcomed their daughter Jean into the world.

Jean, her sister Grey, and their parents lived in Sampson County, North Carolina, until 1945 before moving to Kenly. Jean attended Kenly High School, playing varsity basketball each year, and graduated in 1950. Afterward, she attended East Carolina University and earned a North Carolina teacher's certificate in primary education. During her career as a teacher, she taught at Glendale School, Stancil's Chapel School, and Kenly School. In 1992, Jean retired after thirty-five years of teaching.

Jean married Paul Holland on April 5, 1958, at the Kenly Missionary Baptist Church. They chose to stay in Kenly where they had family, community ties, and job opportunities. Paul worked with the Seaboard Coastline Railroad and on their family farm. Jean was instrumental, however, in many of the farm's daily operations, and her management was critical during the harvest season.

Jean and Paul had two children, Joey and Paula. Jean was an active mother, taught Bible school, hosted friends, and attended countless ball games. She also helped Joey raise livestock. Jean's children later blessed her with four grandchildren: April Jean and Samantha Kay Holland; and Michael Paul and Meredith Wooten. She supports them with the same dedication she gave her own kids and keeps her home open and busy with all of them.

Jean, Paul, and their children attended Kenly Missionary Baptist Church. Over the years, Jean served in many church organizations, including being the Women's Missionary Union Circle Leader, WMU Director, Acteen Leader, and active member of other committees. Her women's group also participates in Meals-onWheels, delivering food to shut-ins every week.
In 1983, Jean played an active role in starting the Tobacco Farm Life Museum. She served as a farm tour guide, hostess, and on the original Board of Directors. Her farm was also one visited by museum guests during the 1980's.

Jean enjoys spending her leisure time with friends, walking, playing bridge, sharing meals, and shopping. She also remained in close contact with high school and college classmates and enjoys spending time with them.

According to her children, she "has been a very good mother and wife. She kept the family together during times of serious illness and family stress."