Wilma Holloway

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
At 65, I cherish the wisdom and maturity life has bestowed upon me. Embracing humility, I find beauty at this age. My past mistakes shape my path forward, reminding me of the importance of humility. Victories and failures have shaped who I am today, and I celebrate them equally. Society does a good job of instilling guilt and condemnation for imperfections. I find peace in believing God has made provisions for both through His son, Jesus.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
As a single female, I have experienced many hardships. It is counterintuitive to recount just one. My response to hardships has helped me to evolve into a stronger, more spiritual being. I recently learned that the tongue of complaining is the voice of the adversary. Complaining is not only a distraction but also steals my focus and moves my thoughts away from finding resolutions.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Fortunately, I still have time to attain my greatest achievement, or I would like to say my finest moment. I still have time for an exceptional moment that I will feel proud of, and my family and friends will also be proud of. I hope my life’s achievements will continue to evolve, and one day, it will be a letter to be read by the people closest to me. I hope my life will inspire my family and others to live a life entrusted in GOD, my father, and Jesus Christ, my redeemer. I hope my life will be a letter demonstrating a disciple of Christ and a life of faith. A life that ultimately leads others to believe that the beauty of life of peace is found only in Christ Jesus, the prince of peace.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
I like nice things, so I spend a lot on clothes, perfume, household furnishings, and furniture. I also believe you should be comfortable at home.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
My mother’s pearl broche mixed with iridescent stones is my treasured possession. She made sacrifices to buy this piece of jewelry, which I treasure dearly despite not wearing it very often.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
I don’t have a bucket list, but I have a special interest in travel, a second career, a reading list, and a pastel garden party. These are things I’ve thought about once or twice, things I’ve rolled around in my head and thought would be nice to do and experience. However, I have yet to create plans to carry them out.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
Happiness is temporal. I believe we have moments of happiness which are not easily duplicated. It is easier to achieve joy rather than happiness. Joy is independent of physical or tangible forces. Joy simply becomes a decision. With that said, I was happy when my son and daughter chose marriage and family. My marriage was not successful, and I am happy my failed marriage did not influence either of them.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Wilma, embrace your independence and the journey of self-discovery. Learn to evolve and embrace your identity as a person who values freedom. You are free-spirited. Cultivate self-love and resilience; your experiences will shape your strength and humility. Don’t succumb to societal pressures. Enjoy solitude and empower yourself to create a fulfilling life on your terms. Your strength will inspire others.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
Be patient. Life is not a race. With a bit of patience, you will win.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
Independence is my strongest trait. I also consider myself a really good cook, a trait I inherited from my mother.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
God’s grace is sufficient in my weakness.

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
My circle of friends is small. I have friends that I’ve known for more than 45 years and less. Nevertheless, I value their commitment to be true to our friendship and our connection. I value their ability to be honest and genuine.

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
I have learned to be patient and not to react to life. I’m learning to allow life to react to me.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
This may change in the future, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I love who GOD has created me to be, and I trust the journey I’m on.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
I was a fourth grader when St. Louis Public Schools were desegregated.
This experience, and knowing my parents had a very limited education, helped me value education. I hope future generations will embrace and value how life-changing education can be.

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
It brings me joy to see my son and daughter thriving and succeeding, knowing they will continue to do so in my absence. Despite my husband and I divorcing when they were young and his passing since then, we always shared a joint commitment to our children’s well-being and success. Their strong spiritual foundation also fills me with happiness. Cortney and Ashley embraced their faith in Jesus as children and continue to walk in it as adults. Their unwavering faith will uphold the Johnson/Holloway family legacy of spirituality and resilience even after my departure. Reflecting on my journey from poverty as the daughter of a domestic worker in St. Louis, Missouri, to celebrating my 65th birthday in Italy and purchasing my third home fills me with gratitude and thankfulness. While my life may seem simple in retrospect, it has been far from easy, yet every challenge has shaped me into who I am today.

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
Resilience: as a woman of faith, I’ve faced significant losses, including the passing of my parents and siblings. Despite the pain, I exhibit resilience through these trials. Being the youngest of six, I often long for the presence of my mother and siblings during life’s milestones. Personal experiences have shaped my resilience and humility. One particularly challenging event was my son being shot on the job, which tested my strength and emotional resilience. Through therapy, reflection, and prayer, I discovered the depth of my capacity as a believer in Jesus Christ.

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
At 65, I’ve realized age is just a number. What truly matters is my mindset. I’ve embraced a new perspective, finding excitement daily and choosing joy. Being spontaneous is how I find joy, which is essential, regardless of age.

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
As the Project Director for a federally funded post-secondary program, I feel very confident.
In 2023, we successfully prepared and graduated numerous students, many of whom are now pursuing higher education in Kansas universities and colleges, with others enrolled in institutions outside the state.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
I recognized my mother, Merle Johnson. Throughout her life, my mother has demonstrated such strength and courage. She had a third-grade education and took care of her family on a very limited income. She never failed to share what little she had with others. Her life was enriched as a result of her selflessness. I think of her often. Also, my spiritual grandmother, Rev. Oleander J. Washington, taught me to trust GOD and rely on my faith. Granny Washington was a spiritual giant. She taught me always to be humble. To the best of my ability, I have followed what they taught me, and GOD has richly blessed me.