Bernice Catherine Fortt Holland

To God Be the Glory

For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourself: it is the gift of God:  Ephesians 2:8

Bernice Catherine Fortt Holland, 90, of Marion Station, MD departed this life Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at her residence. Bernice was born on August 19, 1934, in Accomac, Virginia and was the eldest daughter of the late Robert Sr. and Viola Fortt.

At an early age, her family moved to the Mardela Springs, Maryland area. Bernice was educated in the Wicomico County School System. After graduating in 1952 from the former Salisbury High School, she briefly worked in Cambridge, Md. then went on to work for over 20 years at Campbell Soup Company in various roles including Test Kitchen & Meal Preparations Specialist and then on to Rubberset of Sherwin-Williams working in Brush Assembly Operations for over 20 years before retiring.

As a life-long member of United Methodist Church, before marriage she faithfully attended Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church (Mardela Springs, Md.) with her parents and family. After marriage and moving to Marion, Md she joined Mt. Peer United Methodist Church as her church home serving as a member of Methodist Women where she supported and participated in various church community activities. She was known for her commitment to her church family, members of the Branch community and love for the Lord through fellowship.

In addition to being a faithful servant of the Lord, Bernice was a loving spouse, caring mother, dedicated employee and dependable friend to her relatives and community members. She was known for sharing her love for cooking and home maker skills with the community and whenever called upon she was more than willing to support her extended family on Branch. Her fried chicken, crab cakes and other dishes were often requested and fondly remembered from various family events and family day church functions.

She leaves to cherish fond memories her son, Marlyn E. Holland, Jr. (Kathryn); her daughters, Catherine Holland, Frances Holland-Windsor (Jeff); her grandchildren, Robert A. Holland, India H. Johnson and April L. Timmons; one brother, Joseph Fortt and a host of nephews, nieces and other relatives.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years Marlyn E. Holland, Sr., five sisters, Loraine Kellum, Margaret Fortt, Geraldine Johnson, Ella Fortt and Sarah Fortt and four brothers, Robert Fortt, Jr., Louis Fortt, Sr., Rueben Fortt, Sr. and Johnnie Fortt.

A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Marion (Handy’s) United Methodist Church, 5630 Tulls Corner Road, Marion Station with a viewing one-hour prior.

Interment will follow at Mount Peer U.M.C. Cemetery in Marion Station, MD.