Bobbie Jean Hollingsworth

Bobbie Jean Hollingsworth was born the sixth child of Henry and Millie (Williams) Hollingsworth on November 13, 1939 in Drew, MS. She was a quiet child and was never a fan of outdoor activities. Instead, she quickly developed a love for games, a love that continued throughout her life. She was the family’s resident expert in everything from Jacks to Dominoes, Spades to Gin Rummy, Pokeno, Monopoly and more. At the age of 10, she and the family relocated to Clarksdale, MS and united with Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Bobbie was later baptized there under the leadership of Rev. M.M. Morris. Bobbie attended Myrtle Hall Elementary and W.A. Higgins High Schools in the Clarksdale Municipal School District. After graduating from W.A. Higgins High School in 1958, she completed a two-year Associate of Arts at Coahoma Junior College. She continued her studies at Mississippi Valley State University, matriculating with a Bachelor of Science in 1965. She later enrolled at Delta State University where she earned a Master of Education in 1978. 

Bobbie’s interest in education led to her first teaching position in the Head Start Program in 1964. The following year, she accepted a teaching position at Sherard Elementary School and retired after 29 years of dedicated and loyal service in 1995. A master of her craft, Bobbie taught students on various grade levels and all subjects. However, her astounding love for reading led to her specializing in English. At the request of the school system’s leadership, Jean continued teaching remedial courses for many years after retirement at Coahoma Agricultural High School and George H. Oliver Elementary School to ensure every child was afforded a first-rate education.

Bobbie was extremely kind-hearted and dedicated to her community. She was a devoted member of Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and was a soloist in the choir, as well as, a member of several civic and professional organizations.  Her memberships included the National Educators Association, Mississippi Association of Educators, Coahoma County Association of Educators, the Mississippi State Association of Elks Daughters Axillary-Hart Temple #513 and the Zeta Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

Visitation will be Friday January 22, 2021 from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM.  The graveside service will be Saturday January 23, 2021, 12:00 PM, at McLaurin Memorial Gardens with Bishop Zedrick Clayton officiating.

Bobbie Jean Hollingsworth transitioned peacefully on the morning of January 15, 2021 at Magnolia Nursing Home in Jackson, MS. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Isabell Brew, Pearlene Bell, Kay Francis Tillis and Cleotha Ford. She is survived by her brother, Clearthur (Bernice) Hollingsworth and sister, Nancy Hollingsworth Lewis. Although she did not have biological children, Bobbie assisted in the rearing of four nieces, Shirley (Vinson) Goodwin, Mildred Nelson, Carol (Richard) McLaurin and Janet (Charles) Bell and two nephews, Ronnie Hollingsworth (deceased) and Kenneth Brew. She disciplined with stern look, but a gentle hand. Bobbie Jean left an indelible impression on her remaining aunts, Louella and Irene Williams of Drew, MS, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.