Reba Hollingsworth

Wilmington

Reba Ruth Bullard Hollingsworth, 81 passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at her home. Born and raised in Beaver Dam, NC, she spent most of her life in Stedman, NC and moved to Wilmington, NC in 2020.

Reba and Delmer eloped on Christmas Eve in December of 1959 and celebrated 52 years of marriage. Reba worked in the textile industry for over 30 years where she made many lifelong friends. She was very active in Long Branch Baptist Church, helping with Bible School and the Women’s Missionary Union. In 1990 Reba and Delmer purchased a place at Holden Beach and loved spending summers there with friends and family.

Reba radiated positivity and enjoyed spending time with others. She directed many weddings and was everyone’s expert on decorating, etiquette, and life’s ups and downs. Humble, kind, and patient, she embodied Christ’s teachings and set an example for others.

Reba was preceded in death by her husband, Delmer Hollingsworth (2011). Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Wendy Hollingsworth Collier and husband Richard, her son Mark Hollingsworth and wife Priscilla, one granddaughter Holly Hatchell and husband Josh and one grandson Clark Collier. She was blessed with two great grandchildren, Chase and Baker Hatchell and three grand-dogs, Rusty, Trudy, and Carlie.

Reba was one of ten children raised by her parents, Harvey and Ruth Bullard. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Theta Bullard, Thelma Brown, Milton Bullard, Mittline Cartrette, Wilma Gautier, Landon Bullard, Jethro Bullard, and Benny Ray Bullard. She is survived by many nieces and nephews as well as her extended Hollingsworth family.

Later in life, Reba and her very special sister, Judy Blackwell, did everything together. Judy never left Reba’s side for the last eight months through two hospital stays, one rehab stay and time at home during her illness. They were not only sisters but the best of friends and often watched QVC and Carolina basketball. They never missed Sunday morning church with Jimmy Swaggart.

Services will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Reba’s home church, Beaver Dam Baptist, 4693 Beaver Dam Church Rd., Roseboro, NC. The visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. in the fellowship hall. The memorial service will begin at 3:00 p.m., followed by a service in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beaver Dam Baptist Church or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 6535 Clinton Road, Stedman, NC  28391.