Elizabeth “Liz” Woolfolk Holley-Goodwin of Orange County passed away Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the age of 94. 

Born on her family’s farm in Spotsylvania County on January 3, 1931, Liz was the youngest child and only daughter of Thomas Henry Woolfolk and Ella Graves Woolfolk. She spent her childhood surrounded by dogs, horses, and good country cooking. 

A lover of mischief, Liz used to sneak into her parents’ parlor as a toddler to bang on the keys of the family piano. After making enough of a racket, her parents decided they might as well invest in piano lessons, a choice that shaped Liz’s future. 

Liz’s lifelong passion for music led her to pursue a degree in Music Education at Madison College (JMU). Later, she received a Master's of Education from UVA's Curry School of Education. Liz taught music and choral music courses at Prospect Heights Middle School and Orange County High School until retirement. She was especially renowned for her work on annual high school choral music productions. Actively involved in the community, Liz played the piano and organ for every wedding, funeral, and party in town. 

In the 1950s, friends Sara and Gary Waugh introduced Liz to M.A. “Pike” Holley, a manager at the local A&P and Navy man. On their honeymoon to Niagara Falls, the newlyweds stopped at an overlook. As Pike appreciated the view, Liz spotted an approaching bear. Following her instincts, Liz screamed and locked herself inside the car, refusing to let her new husband in until he fought off the bear. Pike (and the bear) survived the honeymoon, and the couple returned to Orange, where they built a house, welcomed three children, and embarked on a lifetime of adventures. Pike passed away from cancer in 1991. 

Liz spent her final years in Dogwood Village of Orange County, describing her lifestyle there as go-go-go! Between hosting students from Grymes Memorial School, amassing tens of dollars in bingo winnings one quarter at a time, and pulling what she called Grandma’s little pranks, Liz certainly kept busy. Liz also continued to play the piano well into her nineties, providing entertainment for her fellow residents. The family would like to extend special thanks to Sherrell, Angela, and the entire staff at Dogwood Village for their loving care of Liz. They also thank the staff of Orange County Nursing Home for their compassion and support during Liz’s final days. 

Liz was preceded in death by parents Thomas Henry Woolfolk and Ella Graves Woolfolk; brothers John Harris Woolfolk, Carl Henry Woolfolk, and Thomas Lafayette Woolfolk; husbands M.A. “Pike” Holley and William Teel “Billy” Goodwin; stepchildren Sally Jane Goodwin and Stephen Teel Goodwin; daughter-in-law Lisa Walston Holley; and her beloved pony, Trixie. 

Liz will be dearly missed by her three children: Melvin Allen “Mel” Holley, Jr. and fiancée Jane Harcum; James Phillip “Phil” Holley and wife Jacqueline; Louise Holley Hyde and husband Christopher; and daughter-in-law Linda Snapp Goodwin. Liz also leaves behind granddaughters Megan Amanda Holley, Georgia Grace Holley, Maggie Hyde Good (Andrew), and Rebecca 

Nicole Hyde; grandsons Brett Christopher Morrow (Poca) and Spencer Teel Goodwin; and two great-granddaughters. 

The family will host a visitation at the Preddy Funeral Home chapel in Orange on Saturday, February 15 from 2:00-4:00 pm. A graveside service will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Foundation of Dogwood Village to fund nursing scholarships for employees interested in pursuing educational opportunities as LPNs and RNs. Contact Patty Talley at 540-672-1830 for more information. 

In memory of Liz, cut a large slice of pecan pie and pair it with family, friends, and good conversation.