Krista Gibson / Greer Community Ministries
Flowers for Shirley Holliday, the leading lady of music at Greer Community Ministries. Presented by Patsy Quarles, left and Charlene Patterson.
Krista Gibson / Greer Community Ministries
Left to right: Patsy Quarles, Shirley Holliday and her son, Mack Holliday.
Krista Gibson / Greer Community Ministries
A Greer Community Ministries' celebration for 20 years of music by the Hollidays for the Senior Diners.
Greer Community Ministries
Shirley Holliday sang her way into the history books at Greer Community Ministries (GCM) last week. Once every month for the past 20 years, she has picked up a microphone and performed songs like “The Lighthouse” and “The Anchor Holds” for the Senior Dining program.
“It’s been a blessing coming down here,” Holliday said. “I’ve just enjoyed it over the years.”
Pastor Virgil Smith asked her to sing at the ministry at its West Poinsett Street location 20 years ago. Her aunt, Edna Edwards, attended the program at that time so she didn’t hesitate to honor his request. She became a regular on the entertainment calendar after that.
When GCM moved to its Line Street location, Holliday followed. Her father, Mack Edwards began attending the program at that time. Her father played the harmonica and would often accompany her.
“Sometimes I still hear him playing his harmonica in my head,” Holliday said. “It was a blessing to him to go every day.”
She began bringing her son, Mack, with her when she could. Through the years, Mack Holliday, his wife Hope and children Luke and Elise, have all been a part of her program. For a few years, four generations of the Holliday family were represented.
“I have known them for a lot of years,” said Patsy Quarles, Senior Dining coordinator. “We are so grateful for all they do for us.”
The Senior Diners are grateful for the Hollidays as well. Last week, they treated them to a banner of thanks, flowers, and a cake to celebrate the 20-year milestone.
“God is so good to me,” Holliday said. “I was overwhelmed this morning. They hug me every time I go. They sing along and are so complimentary.”
The diners have enjoyed her music through the years, but they also enjoy the gifts that Holliday brings each time she comes. When Holliday arrives, each diner is given a ticket with a number on it. If their number is called, they receive a gift. Every time there is one cash prize of $25, provided by Holliday’s husband, Doyle. Others receive gift bags put together by Holliday.
“It’s always the person that needs it most that wins it,” Holliday said.
Quarles confirmed that. The lady that won the money last week had just relayed to Quarles that this month had been a particularly hard one.
“She turned around and looked at me and nodded her head,” Quarles said. “God always provides.”
• GCM is a non-profit that serves the greater Greer community through Senior Dining, a food pantry, Sharon’s Closet, and Greer Meals on Wheels. Senior Dining provides adults 60 and older a time of fellowship, lunch and special programs weekdays at the ministry. Visit here for more information.