Elsie Miller Holliday, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully in the afternoon on January 23, 2026, at the age of 83. She was born on March 19, 1942, in Norfolk, VA, where she lived most of her life, except for the few years when she resided in Kill Devil Hills, NC. A Norfolk gal through and through, she attended Larchmont Elementary, Blair Junior, Maury High School and Old Dominion University, and as a Pisces absolutely loved being surrounded by water.

Elsie was known for her energy, generosity, adventurous personality, and the twinkle in her eyes. From her teal-colored house in the Outer Banks to her witty vanity license plates, from hosting themed costume parties to organizing Larchmont Elementary School’s first ever RAT race fundraiser, she was always a playful free spirit who lived completely devoted to her family, friends, and community. She was accomplished at a wide variety of activities, excelling in computer science before most even knew what email was, becoming a Life Master at bridge, and a Master Gardener who filled her entire yard with a riot of magnificent blooms, especially daylilies.

Elsie lived with inspiring zest and passion. She loved cheering on her children and grandchildren in any activity or sport, blazing through puzzles and books, crafting while gossiping with her fun-loving friends, dancing and dining out, designing or redesigning her homes, volunteering with countless organizations from the PTA and Botanical Gardens to the OBX Senior Games, and, of course, cruising at sea to so many beautiful places around the world.

On any given day you would have found her with a cup of coffee or glass of wine in her hand, sitting on the floor cross-legged, barefoot, laughing with her friends while she either regaled them with stories of her cruise adventures or planned events and travels yet to come.

She is survived by her children Joanna Felts, Mary Beth Dixon, and Kimmie Stewart; her grandchildren Addison and John Felts, Maddie, Lizzie, and Katie Dixon; her niece, Emmy Miller; and great-nieces, Vera and Freya Miller-Drake. She was preceded in death by her sister, Madeline Miller; her mother and father, Zelda and Grady Miller; her cherished aunt and namesake, Elsie Hale; and her husband George F. Holliday.

An open house “Celebration of Life” is tentatively set for Saturday, March 21st, with location and time TBD. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.

She will be missed dearly and forever remembered.