Priscilla Brown Holman

Priscilla Brown Holman, resident of Dunwoody, GA, passed away Saturday January 13, 2018. Born in 1943, she grew up in Portsmouth, VA as the second oldest of seven siblings. Priscilla graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1965, and also earned a master’s degree from Old Dominion in 1970 and a Ph.D. in health behavior research from the University of Georgia in 2004. At the time Priscilla retired from a 40 year career at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, its Director referred to her as the First Lady of the CDC. Her work focused on numerous health education initiatives, including the initial smoking and AIDS education campaigns. Following her retirement, Priscilla was an active and involved member of the Dunwoody Woman’s Club. Priscilla’s most enduring legacy will be her family and friends.

Priscilla set an impossibly high bar in her example of what it meant to be a friend. Priscilla had an ever expanding network of people who touched her life and were drawn into her community. The work, effort, and thought she put into maintaining the army of friends she made over the years was awe inspiring. Even in these last two years as she battled pancreatic cancer, she was focused on making sure she continued to provide a willing ear to a friend that needed to be heard and sought to ensure each friend that offered help felt appreciated and useful. Priscilla developed friendships that crossed the imaginary line between friend and family. Priscilla showered her friends and family with positivity and warmth, and expressed a genuine interest and love for each of them. Priscilla lost her husband of 52 years Charles R. Holman, Jr. in June 2017. She is survived by her two children, Charles R. Holman III and wife Maureen, Susan A. Beck and husband Chris; and her three grandchildren Finley Holman, Macey and Jasper Beck; Memorial donations should be made to the Dunwoody United Methodist Music fund or the Dunwoody Woman’s Club.