Mary Lee Holman (1935–2025)

At only 4'11'' - and a proud Scorpio - she was a spitfire on wheels and a force to be reckoned with, but always had time for a smile, a hug, a chat…and a prayer. Mary Lee Virginia Payne Holman, 90, of Cairo, IL, left her earthen vessel, in her home, on Thursday, November 6th 2025, of natural causes.

She was born in Mayfield, Ky in 1935 to Percy Woodrow "Pete" Payne and Isadora "Billie" Gregory Harper. Mary Lee was, for the majority of her life, a proud, self-proclaimed Homemaker, though in her working years she held jobs in factories, school cafeterias and had her own wig shop. Her pride and joy, though, came from being a Stay-at-Home Wife/Mother and hosting functions for family and friends. She held a strong passion for carefully curating her house decor, gardening with her magical green thumb and of course - cooking. She could most often be found (when she decided to be still) in the kitchen. She was forever a "Blue Jay" and held her Charleston friends very close to her heart.

She is preceded in death by her beloved sweetheart and soul mate; Charles, her parents, siblings and one son, Tim.

She leaves behind one son; Jerry Don (Eda) of New York and one daughter; Amber Dawn of Illinois, as well as a beautiful bounty of grandchildren and great grandchildren who affectionately called her: "Gramma" or her most recent cherished title: "GG"., as well as several nieces and nephews.

Over the years, in all of her travels around the globe, she collected countless friends who became family and she held each one near and dear to her soul.

Her faith, love and light will be missed by so many and her life and legacy will be honored and celebrated loudly on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, with visitation being held from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral at 12:00 p.m., at Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center in Cairo, Il (1000 Poplar St, Cairo, IL 62914)  Rev. Larry Potts, pastor, will officiate.

Graveside services will follow at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Charleston, MO, under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston, MO

Following all services, Loved ones are invited back to the fellowship hall at Mighty Rivers to share a meal and trade tales of the life of Mary Lee.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com