Madelyn Hollis

Madelyn Matthews Hollis was born on March 30, 1927, to the late Pa Will and Ma Lil Matthews of Accomack, Virginia. She accepted her heavenly wings on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Compass Regional Hospice, in Centreville, Maryland accompanied by her son Joseph Hynson. Her earlier years of employment begin at a very young age, as her parents were farmers. Madelyn worked on the farm and in local factories. Her parents encouraged the family greatly to excel in faith and education. She was very advanced in her studies and was accelerated a grade level. She graduated from high school in 1943. In 1944, she continued her education at Delaware State College. Her early aspiration was to become a cadet nurse, and she majored in chemistry and minored in mathematics while attending college. After further consideration, she decided that she would continue to embark on the journey of becoming an educator. Upon completing 4 years of studies at Delaware College, she returned to Virginia where she accepted a position as an elementary school teacher. She later earned her Master’s degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore, Maryland. She taught 54 students in a single room, with the grade levels ranging from first through seventh grade. In a building void of electricity and other necessities to give the students an equal opportunity to thrive, Madelyn headed fundraisers to get electricity placed in the building. She believed that she and her students deserved better. She came to Centreville, Maryland in 1951, where she married the late Randolph Hollis. Together they shared a daughter, Mary Anne Hollis, who preceded her in death. She was employed at Kennard High School, which was the only Black high school in Queen Anne’s County at the time. At the end of segregation, Madelyn continued working for the Queen Anne’s County Public School system, teaching mathematics and science. In 1957, she became the head of the driver’s education program. She retired in 1981, dedicating 33 years of her life to education. She was the first Black woman to serve on the Queen Anne’s County Board of Education, appointed in 1985 following her retirement. Madelyn, also known as “Matt” dedicated her time to caring for her grandson, and the continuation of her education as she enrolled in courses at Chesapeake College. In her spare time, Madelyn enjoyed spending time with her family, socializing, traveling and joining organizations. She loved to read and she loved to learn. She prided herself on always being well put together. Having given her life to Christ at a young age, Madelyn was a faithful member of the then, Charles Wesley United Methodist Church, which is now called New Life Community United Methodist Church Centreville, Maryland, where she actively served on several committees, including the choir, lay speaker, and coordinator of the vacation Bible school. Always willing to lend a helping hand, she cherished attending church events, Bible study, hanging of the reef ceremonies and many others. Madelyn, along with others, founded the Martin Luther King celebration committee, which took place every year. She eagerly planned for this special day months in advance, relishing the time spent with her friends and loved ones. She founded the Homemaker’s Club and was also a member of the Kennard Alumni Association, as well as many other associations. She was preceded in death by: her parents, William and Lillie Matthews; her husband, Randolph Hollis; daughter, Mary Anne Hollis; seven siblings, Edith Shockley, William Matthews, Elizabeth Elias, Orlando Matthews, Windell Fletcher and Raphael Matthews. Madelyn leaves to cherish her memories: her grandson, Lance Hollis and wife Kenyia; great-grandsons, Micah, A’hijah, Messiah and Josiah; son, Joe Hynson and wife Rosalind and Mrs. Hollis is also survived by generations of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends SUBMITTED WITH LOVE ~ THE FAMILY

Madelyn Hollis

March 30, 1927 - February 20, 2025