Hollis R. Mays

Hollis Glennie Rooke Mays CHARLESTON – Hollis Glennie Rooke Mays, 64, died peacefully on July 28 surrounded by her family and friends. The funeral liturgy will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 888 King St., followed by a reception. The burial will be private. Hollis was born on June 28, 1952, in Charleston, and was the daughter of Janelle Hollis Rooke and Henry Cashiers Rooke. She was a graduate of Titusville High School in Titusville, Florida; and the College of Charleston, earning Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees specializing in micropaleontology. She was a realtor for the Westvaco Corporation and was the first woman to enter the U.S. Naval Shipyard as a machinist with a 100% placement score. She then worked with the U.S. Post Office for 35 years. Hollis was a passionate steward of the environment and a champion of the causes in which she was involved. She became a Master Gardener through the Clemson Extension Service and donated her plants and produce to community outreaches and gardens. She turned her neighborhood’s standard retention pond into a thriving lake ecosystem. She also taught others how to be engaged and active neighbors by modeling how to work successfully with city officials on issues impacting residential areas. Because of her ongoing efforts to effect positive change, she was a recipient of the 2016 Harold Koon Award for excellence in volunteer service, which was presented by Mayor Joseph P. Riley. She was also the recipient of the Carolopolis Award for the historic exterior preservation of a Freedmans House. Hollis is survived by Niall Mays, her beloved husband of over 25 years; and a wealth of family and friends.