Elsie Holland

Elsie Holland loved to learn, and translated that virtue into a passion for teaching. At home in simple classrooms or corridors of power, Holland taught by example. Her life defined citizenship.

Holland was born in Dinwiddie and graduated from an all-black high school there. At 19 she earned her bachelor's degree from Virginia State, where she also earned her master's. She earned her doctorate in education from the University of Virginia.

Holland taught in public schools and worked as an administrator. Her abilities and character attracted attention not only from fellow employees but from the state's highest-ranking officials. Gov. John Dalton named her to Virginia State's Board of Visitors. She became the first minority woman to serve on the University of Virginia's Board of Visitors when Gov. George Allen appointed her to the position. She belonged to the NAACP, ran for office as a Republican, and defied expectations. Conversation was one of her gifts, as we learned to our pleasure.

Elsie Holland died on Sunday at 79. The commonwealth bids farewell to a dear and faithful friend.