Dorothy Jean Hollins (Aunt Jitty)

Dorothy Jean Hollins passed on May 23, 2021, the same way she lived her life: surrounded by beloved family and friends, doling out sage words of advice.

Born November 14, 1938, to King and Zula Powdrell in Crosbyton, Texas, Dorothy was one of fourteen children. Raised during the Jim Crow Era, Dorothy lived through harsh experiences as a young woman. However It was essential to Dorothy that she was a woman of God, love, forgiveness, grace, and peace – she lived her life in that manner.

Growing up in the small Texas town, Dorothy discovered her passion for movies. As a girl, Dorothy found ways to earn a few coins every week to treat herself to the films at the only movie theatre in town. So, it is no surprise that she fell in love with the theatre’s projectionist, Leo Hollins, Sr. They had their first date at that movie theatre in Crosbyton and quickly began talking about marriage. As the two formed their unbreakable bond and filled their hearts with love for each other.  Leo and Dorothy moved to Midland, Texas, and were married in 1953. They gave birth to their oldest daughter Marla Denise before moving to Dallas in 1956, where their two sons Leo Jr and Christopher were born. While in Dallas, the federal government interviewed hundreds of black parents to convince them to allow their children to be bussed many miles away to integrate the white public schools. Dorothy was one of only two mothers who were brave enough to risk their family's safety so her children would have a proper education with opportunities. Thus, her eldest daughter became the first black student to attend the Stephen F. Austin Elementary School in Dallas, Texas, in 1961.

Leo and Dorothy visited Albuquerque for the first time in 1963. They liked the area so much that they returned to Dallas just long enough to gather their belongings and move the family to Albuquerque. Their youngest daughter Ja'Net was born a few years later. Soon after arriving, Dorothy secured domestic work and she and Leo bought their first home.

In 1973 Leo won a scholarship through the Bing Crosby Golf Foundation. Dorothy worked tirelessly as the breadwinner and parent to their four children so that Leo could achieve his educational aspirations.

In the 1980s, Dorothy's health forced her to work from home caring for the children of  family members and friends. In her final days and hours, Dorothy was full of love for God and a deep desire to share his wisdom with her family and friends. We will remember Dorothy as a nurturer and a generous woman who demonstrated God’s love daily.

Our beloved Dorothy Jean Hollins passed on the fifth anniversary of her husband, Leo Hollins, Sr.'s passing. She is survived by her brothers Jake and Isaac Powdrell; her children Marla Denise Hollins, Leo Hollins Jr. and wife Liz Thomson, Christopher Hollins, and Ja’Net Hollins; her grandchildren, Nicolaus Hollins and wife Sheniq, Travis Hollins, Chinara Pearman and Eric Hollins; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. The funeral will be held on May 28, 2021 at God's Way Community Church. Visitation will be from 11am-12pm. Open remarks for family and friends 12pm-1pm. Services will be from 1pm- 2pm. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

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