Estelle M. Holcombe

Estelle M. Holcombe, local business woman of Solway Community in Knox County, died June 3 at Tennova Residential Hospice in Halls.

Born Oct. 20, 1919, in Abbeville County, Abbeville, S.C., she was the daughter of the late George and Elliott Mundy. She moved to Columbia, S.C., at an early age and attended Columbia Community College.

She married in 1937 to her late husband, Jolly B. (Sam) Holcombe Sr., who she accompanied to Oak Ridge in 1943. During the 1940s and 1950s, she was well-known in the Oak Ridge area as the Avon Lady. She and her husband opened Solway Hardware in 1955, where they worked up to their retirement in 1968.

A member of Trinity United Methodist church for many years before its closure, she then transferred to First United Methodist Church in Oak Ridge. She had many hobbies which she pursued. Several times, she was president of the Home Demonstration Club. She also enjoyed her Sewing Club and Craft Club, where she was a member for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Elliott Mundy; her husband, Jolly B. (Sam) Holcombe Sr.; and two brothers, Warren Mundy and Herman Mundy. She is survived by her sister, Mary McAllister, of Greenwood, S.C.; two sons, Jolly B. Holcombe Jr., of Solway Community, and Warren Holcombe of Greenville, S.C.; and two grandchildren, Cheryl Holcombe of Knoxville and Troy Holcombe of the Solway Community.

The family would like to thank the staff of Tennova Residential Hospice in Knoxville for their around-the-clock attention and care during her short stay.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 5, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral will begin at 2 p.m. with John Shaw officiating. Interment at Oak Ridge Memorial Park is private. Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.