Rosalyn (Richbourg) Holland

Rosalyn Richbourg Holland was born on February 14, 1954, the fourth and final child of Bill and Mary Love Richbourg of Clinton, NC. True to her Valentine’s Day birthdate, Rosalyn was a sweetheart. Her parents and her three siblings - Billy, Susan, and Laura - doted on her and always knew she had a special place in the family.

Rosalyn attended Clinton High School and graduated in 1972, where she participated in the band, and then in cheerleading, and where she met her beloved Oscar Holland, Jr. (OC). They became the “It” couple, and were inseparable after that, even when OC attended Methodist College, and Rosalyn attended UNC-Chapel Hill. Most every weekend, she would hit the road back to Clinton to spend time with OC. Rosalyn graduated from UNC in 1976, with a degree in Special Education. OC and Rosalyn married in November, 1975, and returned to live in Clinton.

There never was a more rabid Carolina fan than Rosalyn, especially during basketball season! To this day, she probably owns more UNC paraphernalia than anyone other than Michael Jordan, and she could never get enough of Carolina blue in her home. But she happily divided her loyalties when her daughter, Suzannah, attended NC State. Whoever was playing, Ros was loud and proud.

Rosalyn began working in Special Education at Kerr School in Clinton, and remained there for 34 years until she retired. She was beloved by her students, who affectionately called her “Miz Hah”. They couldn’t quite pronounce Holland! She taught her kids to strive to be their best, and she always believed in them, as hard as it was with their special needs.

Within a few years of their marriage, OC and Rosalyn had their first child, son Chris. And five years later came their second child, daughter Suzannah. Rosalyn was the All-American mother - helping her children with their homework, setting up playdates and parties, and making their home “the” place for kids to hang out. Rosalyn always had exactly what children liked - Dr. Peppers, Slim Jims, sweet cereal, and chips galore. OC grilled burgers and hot dogs and did his part to keep the festivities going. Rosalyn followed all the activities of her children in school, watching Chris play football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. And helping Suzannah learn all the cheers so that she too could be like her Mama on the cheerleading squad. She attended all of Suzannah’s dance recitals, usually bringing other family members to lend support as well. OC and Rosalyn attended First United Methodist Church in Clinton, and were very active with the children’s programs there for many years. Rosalyn had a special place in her heart for the Special Olympics and the Backpack Buddies, and worked tirelessly for both those causes over the years.

Rosalyn became the primary caretaker for the matriarch of our family, and took loving care of her even when she moved to Assisted Living at age 90. It was Rosalyn that her mother called whenever she needed help, or company. And Rosalyn never hesitated to drive to Fayetteville to take her to dinner, or organize her closet, or get her set up with an audio book, or just be there when she was sick or afraid. Our mother lived to be 96, and Rosalyn was right there when she passed away.

After that, OC and Rosalyn lived their dream of having a home at the Coast! They moved to Cape Carteret, and enjoyed going out on their boat, enjoying oyster roasts, having friends and family over to watch Carolina and State games, and sitting out on the beach as they had loved to do since they were children. It was a real respite for all who came to visit and take part in their always-welcoming hospitality.

Rosalyn, who had successfully recovered from breast cancer ten years ago, sadly learned that her cancer had returned and spread to her lungs. She went into the hospital this last week, hoping that she could begin chemo for the cancer. But that was not to happen. OC, Suzannah, and Chris brought their mother home to Clinton, where she was surrounded by so many lifelong friends, and all of her siblings and their sons came to visit the day before she passed away. Rosalyn left us on Saturday, September 28th at 430am, slipping peacefully away during the early morning.

There is a Valentine-shaped hole in our hearts for this wonderful woman with her kindness, her sense of humor, and her very Southern charm. We would like to thank all of those who have walked this journey with Rosalyn, and know that she was so grateful for the outpouring of love.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 3, from 2:00 PM until 2:45 PM in the fellowship hall of First Methodist Church, and other times at the home. A Celebration of Rosalyn’s Life will follow at 3:00 PM in the Sanctuary of First Methodist Church, 208 Sampson St., Clinton, NC., with Rev. Matt Seals and Rev. Ben Burrows officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to a charity of your choice in Rosalyn’s name.