Bessie Pearl Holland

Bessie Pearl Holland, 92, of Jefferson, Pa., passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Born on September 19, 1933, in Franklin Township, she was the daughter of the late James Henry and Anna Mae (Dodds) Lutes.

Bessie graduated from Cumberland Township High School, Class of 1952. She worked as a nurses aide for many years. On November 21, 2003, she married Peter D. Holland, Jr., enjoying 11 adventurous years until his passing on March 8, 2015. Bessie attended the First Baptist Church in Carmichaels.

Having that love for adventure, Bessie travelled the country with her late husband, visiting every state except Alaska. She was an avid bingo player, faithfully attending bingo night at the VFW in Carmichaels. Bessie was known for her independence and strength. Her favorite song, "My Way" by Frank Sinatra, exemplified how she lived her life — her way. "The Old Rugged Cross" was a cherished hymn of hers. Coming from a large family growing up, to having six children of her own, family was central to Bessie's life.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Donald L. Powell (Alicia) of Smock; daughters, Carol Jean Gray (Jerry) of Big Horn, Wyo., Diana L. Green (Christopher) of Helper, Utah, Donna L. Stehley of Morgantown, W. Va., Reva A. Velasquez (Jeff) of New Salisbury, Ind., and Denyse L. Elkins of Waynesburg; 17 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; 10 great great grandchildren; brother, Walter Ray Lutes (Jan) of Warrenton, Va., and with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her grandsons, Brett Aaron Powell and Adam J. Stehley; brothers, John H. Lutes, James R. Lutes, William E. Lutes; sisters, Laura Ann Hayden, Sarah M. Lentz, Mary C. Hatschets, Margaret Viola Chopp, Martha L. Polander, Dora May Vassallo, and Dolores Elizabeth Watson.

A memorial service for Bessie will be held at a later date. 

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association.