Connie Browne Hollar Greene

Connie Browne Hollar Greene, 85, born in Cherryville, NC, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026, in Asheville, NC, surrounded by her loved ones.

After graduation, Connie moved to Charlotte, NC, where she trained and worked as a beautician, even running a salon out of her home for many years. In 1972 she and her family moved to Candler, NC.

From 1974 until her retirement in 2001, Connie was a dedicated teaching assistant at Sand Hill-Venable Elementary School where she also managed the before- and after-school programs, as well as the summer school program. She found great joy in uplifting and guiding her students. Her caring nature made her a special presence in the lives of many young students and their families.

In retirement, Connie spent the winter months in South Florida for 21 years. She enjoyed traveling, including memorable trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Arizona, and the Outer Banks. She also enjoyed spending time with the friends she met along the way. She found the greatest joy in being with her family, tending her flower gardens, watching birds, and spending time with her beloved dogs. These interests reflected her appreciation for family, animals, nature, friendship, and the simple pleasures of life.

Connie was a member of Francis Asbury United Methodist Church, in Candler, for 52 years. Her faith was a constant throughout her life, and her church family held a special place in her heart. In the past she served as a Sunday School teacher, as well as providing and arranging flowers from her gardens for the weekly Welcome Table.

Connie is survived by her husband, Dick Greene, with whom she shared 26 years of marriage; her children, David Hollar (Susan), and Valerie Martin Parsons (Mark); her grandchildren, Nick Martin (Melissa), Ashley Parsons (Harrison); and her great-grandchildren, Sophie Martin and Blake Martin. She is also survived by her sisters, Dot Maness and Doris Davis, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vance and Florence Browne; her siblings, Marceille Owens, Bobbie Hood, Earl Browne, and Donald Browne; and her first husband, Paul Hollar, the father of her children.

We will miss her deeply, but remain forever grateful for the years we shared with her and the enduring memories she leaves behind in our hearts.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Francis Asbury United Methodist Church in Candler, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Connie’s memory to Francis Asbury United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 67, Candler, NC 28715.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.