Zharia Stephanie-Layel Holley's Obituary
Zharia Stephanie-Layel Holley passed away on Friday, Feburary 10, 2023.
Grand Rising. . . for those who knew Zharia, knows this is her way of greeting everyone.
Today we come together to celebrate the life of Zharia Stephanie-Layel Holley, a remarkable young woman whose impact on those around her was immeasurable. Zharia was born in New York City to her loving mother Duryea Holley on October 29, 1997, and was blessed with the love and support of her second mother, Gale Griffin. Zharia was a devoted mother herself to her son, Darnell Anthony Sullivan Jr., whom she loved with all of her heart.
Zharia moved to Culpeper when she was three years old with her second mom, Gale. Zharia's formative education was in Culpeper. She finished high school in Warrenton, VA and graduated from Kettle Run High School.
Zharia's infectious personality and beautiful smile would light up any room she walked into. She had an outgoing and bubbly nature who knew no strangers. Her charisma and positive energy made her stand out from the crowd. Her warm and loving nature touched the hearts of all who met her. She had a way of noticing talents and quirks in people that they didn’t realize they had. Her curiosity and creativity overflowed. She was a wonderful artist who loved to write poetry, take photographs, dance and draw in her spare time.
Zharia’s greatest love was her son, Darnell whom she infectiously nicknamed “Deuce”. She fully immersed herself as a role as a mother. Her love for him was pure and unconditional. She beamed at all his milestones, from his first latch, to his first tooth to his first step. She played with him, read to him, cuddled and danced and loved to make him laugh. She was set to give him the foundation of love, protection and stability she knew he needed.
Zharia lived a life of gratitude and turned to God and counted her blessings daily. She looked to him when she was up and when she was down.
Zharia is survived by her son Darnell Anthony Sullivan Jr, her son’s father Darnell Anthony Sullivan, mother Duryea Holley, second mother Gale Griffin, brother Jason Haskins, sister Cheyenne Holley, cousin Brandon Holley, “special” cousin; Asia Poole, aunt Tonda Cook, grandmother Dolores Parson aka “Lolo”, Uncle Jareem Parson and aunt Mattaniah Yip. She also had extended family who loved her dearly, including Sarah and Raymond Mincey, and her best friend Brandon Gbolie along with a host of extended relatives and friends.
Zharia's sudden passing has left a deep void in our hearts, but we find solace in the fact that she lived a life full of joy, love, creativity, kindness and curiosity. Her memory will live on through her son and all the lives she touched during her time with us.
Zharia Stephanie-Layel Holley was a shining star whose light will never be extinguished. She will be missed dearly, but we will always cherish the memories of the time we spent with her.
Blessings Zharia. Your beautiful smile and spirit will forever live on in our hearts.
The family will receive friends on Saturday March 4, 2023 from 2-3 PM at Found and Sons Funeral Home, 850 Sperryville Pike Culpeper, VA 22701. A memorial service will follow at 3 PM in the funeral home chapel.
The family invites those unable to attend in person to view the service via livestream at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY3NzkwMjQ4NTIzOTE4MCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
What’s your fondest memory of Zharia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Zharia?
Share a story where Zharia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Zharia you’ll never forget.
How did Zharia make you smile?