Arla Holroyd Obituary

Miss Arla is fondly remembered by me. She was a dear friend and neighbor of mine on Eden Terrace in Rock Hill. When I was young she would often baby sit with me. As a resident of MT. Pleasant, I would sometimes bump into her in a store. I would hear my name called, and all I had to do was to look for the tallest woman within earshot.

God rest the beautiful soul pf this very beautiful lady.

Blessings and comfort to her family,
Ronnie Connelly
Mt. Pleasant, SC

Mrs Holroyd was such a great influence in my life as a biology student of her class At Sullivan Jr High in year 1960. She would invite Bob Ward and myself to spend occasional Saturday afternoons at her house..once when I was sick and missed a class reunion (Class of 1963) she called me & invited me to come see her on my Harley Davidson and take her for a ride, which I did. she chickened out when we got to the Cooper River bridge & I turned around..that was the last time I saw her & talked wirh her...that memory will forever stay in my mind..now I know why I've become a writer at age 72.A GREAT LADY INDEED..Archie Auten 3-2-2018

I'm so sad to hear about Arla. I also grew up in Rock Hill. I saw Arla several years ago when I was on a book tour, and she attended one of my events. I loved her warmth and generosity. She was so dear.

Sincere condolences to the whole family,
Judy

We are so sorry to learn of the death of Arla! Our sincere sympathy to Arla's family! Arla will be missed!

Mrs. Holroyd was my science teacher in 1958 at Richmond Drive Elem. in the 8th grade. She was one of the few teachers to leave a lasting memory in me for all these years. So sorry for her family, have good memories to hold on to.

I was in Mrs. Holroyd's Jr. High Science class at Rawlinson Rd. The first day I met her I was put to ease by the love she already had for my family. Her style of teaching was real and unlike any other I had experienced up to that time.

I last had the honor of seeing her in 2008 at our church in Rock Hill. The next day she sent me this photo and the sweetest hand written letter with an invite to come and spend a few hours with her in Charleston. Sadly, I never made that date but we did exchange Christmas cards until recently. Boy, did she love a photo of some kids!

Rest in Peace Dear Lady, until we meet again...

I was asked to add more pictures to my memory. Here is one!

I would like to add a footnote to my earlier message. As I recall Mrs Holroyd was fresh out of college when she became a teacher at Liberty Homes Grade School. I remember seeing her for the first time and how tall and thin she was. By the 6th and 7th grade I was already 5' 7" tall and thin. I would look at her and wonder if I would grow to 6 feet. She seemed so graceful and comfortable with her height. Today I am still 5' 7" tall. Guess it wasn't meant for me to attain the height of a teacher I admired and loved so much. And to think she lived here in the Charleston area and I never knew it.
Another memory I have is the day Mr Holroyd came to our school. It was recess and I was standing near Mrs Holroyd when her husband walked down the sidewalk to her. What
a handsome man in uniform. I can still see him in my mind She introduced him to our class.
What a blessing when God placed her in our world. I hope someday someone will write a book about this beautiful lady. I feel so blessed that she occupies a corner in my heart, never to forget.
Chrystine Smith Midyette
North Charleston, S C

I JUST SAW MRS HOLROYD PASSING SHE TAUGHT MY BROTHER AT RICHMOND DRIVE HE LOVED HER AND WAS ALWAYS TALKING ABOUT HER SO WHEN MY YOUNGER SISTER GOT A BABY DOLL FOR CHRISTMAS LINDA NAME HER MRS HOLROYD AFTER HER .....MRS HOLROYD WAS HER FAVORITE DOLL EVER JUST AS SHE WAS A FAVORITE TEACHER AND FRIEND TO SO MANY . KNOW YOUR HAVING A GRAND TIME IN HEAVEN ...THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO HER FAMILY REBEKAH SHERER GREENE

A few days after the passing of my husband, Mrs Holroyd called me and told me she had taught my husband in school in Rock Hill, SC. She said she would love to meet me and my children, Patricke and Leeann, so she could tell them all about their daddy when he was a boy. Indeed we did meet and continued to get together for many years.We had tea parties, tours of Mt Pleasant and Charleston, trips to the SC Wildlife expo and Christmases where we exchanged with each other anything with a snowman on it. She was such a kind and knowledgeable southern lady.She knew so many people and everyone loved her.We so looked forward to getting together with her. I have thought of her often over the last couple of years and regret we could not get together one last time. Our deep felt sympathies to her family.

Arla was the reason I joined the French Huguenot Church. She and I became friends, and I would visit her at her home in Old Village where she had amazing mementos of her life. We had a common bond by way of Sweden, where I was born. I will remember Arla for her friendship, poise, and grace.

Arla and I took a class together at Winthrop many years ago. It was fun being with her, for she took a light-hearted approach to what we were doing. --My last name then was Blough.

As most have posted.- I have often thought of her also my tall teacher..Richmond was a great school and she was a devoted,careing,loveing person .Graceful,softspoken,She left a huge impact on me.She will be missed by all she has passed.

I met Arla in a history class at the College Of Charleston around 1990. She was auditing the class and I was a junior. We became fast friends and realized that we had grown up in the same area. She was from Rock Hill and I was from Fort Mill. My uncle Bob was a friend of hers when they were a lot younger! We decided that we were family and became just that. I used to put up and take down her Christmas tree for years. We signed a spot in her attic every year. I wish I could get up there and take a picture of that so I could remember all the years we had Scott and Arla's Christmas Tree Party! I will miss all of her stories and her laugh. Godspeed Arla! Say hey to Uncle Bob for me.

May the God of all comfort strength the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on God keeps them in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences to the family.

Mrs. Holroyd was my science teacher in 7th and 8th grades at Richmond Drive School, and she was also our cheerleader coach. I always admired her gracefulness. She has been in my thoughts many times over the years as I lovingly recalled my "tall" science teacher. Mrs. Holroyd will be missed but never forgotten.

My deepest sympathies to all the family.

I had the pleasure of teaching beside Arla at Rawlinson Road Jr High School. We shared many laughs and stories over the years. I was the only art teacher and when I needed an artistic second opinion, she was my go to gal!!! Arla was so talented in the arts and I valued her opinion to the highest. She taught me alot and was a treasured friend.I called Arla over a year ago and had a lovely conversation.I had planned to go see her the next time I went to Charleston but unfortunately never made it..Arla was a remarkable lady that touched my life in a special way and for that I am eternally grateful and blessed.

To the family and friends of Mrs. Holroyd,
It was such a privilege to be her student. She taught my biology lab at Winthrop: I still remember the the biology lessons, but even more importantly, her model of teaching excellence and lessons on the living of life have remained with me ever since.
My thoughts and prayers go with you as you 'walk through the valley of the shadow.'
With sympathy,
Joyce Wood

My poem for Arla

Tall, willowy, goddess tree
white herons gathered in her boughs
they lifted in unison
to take you home
in love and peace
you are never alone

Such Southern elegance at a glance
long gown of white flowing lace
as Spanish moss swaying in its dance
and dance you did
on many a floor
with charm and wonder at your core

In stately grandeur
to us you spoke
with roots down deep
like your adoring Angel Oak
but swinging on your porch
shall always be the memory
of you while on earth with me

Our love for wood,
of art, and life
and all things good
with light and joy I shall
ever feel your pull
for you have left me with words,
the thoughts, the meaning of.
o b joyful

with love forevermore
Leo E. Osborne

I had Mrs. Holroyd at Rawlinson Road for 7th grade science (83-84). The very first day of class, as I was leaving after the bell, she called me over to her desk. She said, "I'm sorry about your grandfather's passing. He was such a kind and good man". He had died that summer of cancer. She told me a few stories of his kindness to her over the years and it really made me feel good. I liked that she knew my grandparents and that they had made an impact on her life. Years later when I was living in Chicago, I came down to Charleston for a vacation with my family. I went to Mrs. Holroyd's house in Mt. Pleasant and had a nice visit with her. That was the last time I saw her. That was 2006. I was saddened to hear of her passing, but she lived a full life and impacted countless lives, including mine. Farewell, Arla Holroyd. Say hi to my grandparents for me.

Mrs. Holroyd was my teacher at Liberty Homes Grammar School in North Charleston in 1951. The school was located inside Liberty Homes where I grew up. I have thought of her many times throughout the years. She was such a nice teacher. My sincere condolences to the family.

Chrystine Smith Midyette
North Charleston, S C

My Best Friend
Arla was always there for you. She wanted you to succeed, wanted to bring out the best in you. She was an encourager, confident, an example of strength and courage. I'm sure many of her students felt that way about her.
We met over the back fence when we were five years old. Arla lived on Saluda Street and I lived on Chestnut Street. We were in Central school together until my family moved to the other side of town. Arla's family followed when we were in the 7th grade. We were only 4 blocks from each other. The Stenseth's were my other parents as mine were to Arla. We were like sisters.
Our happiest memories were of summers at Ocean Drive. We spent our days in the water and our evenings at the pavilion with that season's infatuations. One summer it was cousins whose grandfather owned the stables. James and Bob ran it so we were able to ride for free. What a crush Bob had on Arla. He rode Snowball, our favorite horse, back and forth to the house so many times Snowball finally turned around and bit him. The 4 of us went to the theater there that stood in water every time it rained, We would also buy Krispy Kreme donuts by the dozen and eat until we were sick.
I almost drowned her by sitting on her shoulders, gaily waving to a low flying plane while waves washed over her head. One of our infrequent arguments was over a box of Whitman's Chocolates. "Someone" ate the two chocolate covered cherries when she knew they were my favorites.
Arala's wedding to Bill Holroyd was a gorgeous affair, with twelve attendants. I was her maid of honor and Earlene was her matron of honor.
Even when we were miles apart when we were together we didn't miss a beat. It was as though we were together the day before.
That beautiful tall blonde was always there for me. She was my friend, my rock. I will always treasure her gifts of beautiful memories, love and laughter. Arla, my best friend.

A graduate of Winthrop Training School and Winthrop College, Mrs. Holroyd began her teaching career in Charleston while her husband served in the Navy during the Korean War. After the war, she returned to Rock Hill, where she taught 7th, 8th, and 9th grade science at Richmond Drive Elementary School, Sullivan Jr. High, and Rawlinson Road Jr. High. She also taught at Winthrop College. Many of her students have remained extended family through the years. Arla was a most devoted teacher, touching the lives of students in ways far beyond the textbook. She reveled in the successes of all students and had a gift for recognizing and encouraging talents often overlooked by others.

Although she grew up Baptist, upon retirement Arla became a member of the revived French Huguenot Church of Charleston, where she was instrumental in starting the Sunday School for children. Arla loved her church! She invited those she met to Come to our church, where she served as a docent. She often gave a tour of the church after Sunday services. Regularly, she chose a family from the tour and invited them to get in her 1980s Lincoln and go on a Huguenot tour of Charleston.

I always remember Mrs. Holroyd fondly. I have for years appreciated her accepting an invitation to meet some of her students (afterschool) out at York Tech to witness a total eclipse. The other thing I remember from her 7th grade science class is learning about the form, habit, and ancient history of Ginkgo trees. Thank you Mrs. Holroyd for all the students lives you influenced mine included.

She was my 8th grade teacher in 1984 and I think of her often to this day. Rest in Peace sweet Lady

My name is Arla Elise Stenseth Dawley I was born on July 6th. My Father named me after his cousin Arla Holroyd and her mother Elise Stenseth. Elise's birthday was also July 6th! When I was a little girl Arla used to come and visit us in Iowa and I remember her telling me the story of when I was very young looking at her and saying I'm the brown eyed Arla and you are the blue eyed Arla. I have always thought that I was very lucky to have been named after two remarkable women. Every time we visited South Carolina Arla took us around and told us so many wonderful stories about the history of Charleston and South Carolina. I will cherish those memories always. She will always have a place in my heart.

Such a fine Lady. A true Charleston woman who loved this area. I'll never forget her picking up trash out side of church. Never met a stranger.