Retta Jean Holifield, Loving Wife, Mother and my Best Friend passed away on November 7, 2019 after years of dealing with a debilitating disease.  She passed peacefully, surrounded by her husband, son and the loving prayers of many.

Retta was born in Dallas Texas on September 17, 1942 to parents Jean and Charles Gray. The family later moved to El Paso Texas where Retta attended and graduated from High School. During her life she pursued a path of self-awareness by reading and studying different philosophies, attending numerous seminars, college courses, and church classes. Retta gained so much knowledge from life's experiences and was kind enough to pass her knowledge on to others. Retta always kept an open mind and welcomed different views and ideas from those she met along her path through life.

Retta leaves behind her husband of 34 years, Robert A. Holifield, two children- son-Myles E. Kurashige and daughter Maile L. Kurashige (Kwan). A brother Charles A. Gray and his wife Brenda E. Gray. Four grandchildren – Joseph Park, Kelsey Park, Myles Comer, Sari Kwan, also three great grandchildren – Moses Park, Killian Park and Jonesy Valiente.

To those that knew Retta you understood how much she liked to be around people, her loving smile and her infectious laugh would fill a room and make you smile in return. Retta believed in enjoying Life!! -

No matter where you were, she managed to create a fun time.

There is so much we could say about Retta that it's hard to capture her full essence. She –

• Had a strong belief in God and tried to demonstrate that in her daily life. She worked at being an example of a good Christian woman
• Loved to Dress with a flair- hair, nails, clothes, and don't forget her jewelry - always trying a different look – she stated it was fun to branch out
• Loved Dinner parties- she loved to make and set a table- cook a variety of dishes, from American standards to Hawaiian and Asian delights. Sharing a meal with others is a true blessing but preparing a meal for others is a gift from the heart. Retta was a person with a beautiful heart who loved to share.
• Loved to – decorate, perform arts and crafts projects - arrange flowers, Retta would bring beauty using arts and crafts into people's lives
• Love to smile and laugh and it was contagious!!
• Lived in Texas, Greece, California, Pennsylvania, Hawaii and Singapore- no matter where she lived, she made it a loving home and opened her home to all.
• She belonged and actively participated in a variety of organizations during her life - Kiwanis club, Divas, Goddess, church groups- too numerous to mention. Most of the groups she participated in were to help others, she gave both her time and money.
• Always stated she was molding me (Robert) into a better finished project- she stated it was a hard project, but she was convinced she could do it, and she did according to my family and friends.

Because of her loving guidance I reunited with my family, succeeded in life way beyond my wildest dreams - we have a beautiful home- took numerous trips both in the US and abroad. We are blessed with a very diverse group of friends that extend internationally. She seemed to make friends wherever we went, and I shared that trait with her as they became my friends as well.

Retta was my "Taj Mahal" - A true love story

Retta believed in sharing our blessings with others and donated both time and money to a variety of groups - Houston food bank as well as numerous battered women shelters. Retta gave generously to the church and to various community programs where she lived.

We ask that in Lieu of flowers you would please donate in Retta's name to a charity, whether it be one mentioned above, or yours, please give so others may receive- it is truly a blessing to give.

Funeral Service to be held on Dec 6, 2019 at 2 PM at Klein Funeral home at 9719 Wortham Blvd. Houston Texas 77065- following the service for those that wish to visit the family, we will have an open house till 5 PM at 11814 Dakar drive Houston Texas 77065.