Darrell Wendell Holland Sr., newspaper writer, editor, ordained Pastor, marathoner and mountain climber, passed away on November 30th, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio, where he lived for over forty years. He was 92 years old at the time of his passing.
Darrell was born to Ray E. Holland and Esther (Dean) Holland on April 30th, 1932, in Charleston, West Virginia. He was the oldest of five children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Esther Holland, his brothers, Carol and Kenneth, and his sister, Linda Sue.
He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Ann Holland of Ohio and New York, and his sister, Mary Lou Matson of Ohio, West Virginia, and Arizona.
He leaves behind sons Darrell Holland, Jr. (Dianne) and Paul Holland (Lillian) and daughter Joanna Brown (David Suru). His grandchildren include Michael Holland (Michelle), Timothy Holland (Candace), Emily Holland, Seth Brown (Lorena), Grant Holland, and Olivia Weissman (Ian), and eight great-grandchildren (Connor, Dominick, Lawrence, Trenton, Annabel, Emberlee, Ellianna, and Arrowynn).
He earned his Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s of Divinity, and a Master’s of Science in Journalism. He was the Communications Director for the Massachusetts Conference United Church of Christ, pastored several churches, most notably the North Hadley Congregational Church, and from 1974 to 1997, he was the Religion Editor for the Cleveland Plain Dealer Publishing Company in Cleveland, Ohio.
He was active in and passionate about the Civil Rights Movement and all social justice issues, striving to be a voice for those society sought to silence and diminish.
Darrell Holland Sr. will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him, especially those blessed to be his family. His warmth, generosity, and spirit were all part of a man who focused on making the world a better place for all who needed a voice. He has been described as someone who “genuinely engaged with and had so much time and energy for everyone (including strangers).”
“Darrell was always interested in talking with people he met on hiking, biking, and other trips. He was ready to learn from them and share his experiences with them. A great friend, relative, and companion.”
He never lost sight of his family, as evidenced by this quote from an essay written by his granddaughter, Emily Holland:
“His life experiences and adventures have made him into an inspiring grandfather with plenty of wisdom to share, even if he is quick to disagree. Every time we have a conversation I end up learning something new about his life, which ultimately shifts my perception of my own.”
He met and interviewed Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, the Rev. Dr. Billy Graham, and Anatoly Shcharansky. He also participated in missions to El Salvador, Colombia, and Haiti. While marching for civil rights, he was jailed in Alabama.
Awards: Noteworthy newspaper religion editor by Who’s Who; Distinguished Service Award, Society of Professional Journalists; Chaver Award, B’nai Jeshurun Congregation; and Special Recognition, House of Representatives, General Assembly of Ohio.
In memory of Darrell, please consider donating to the COAR Peace Mission. https://coarpeacemission.org/donate.