Mari Ann Hollis

Published 3:18 pm Friday, February 14, 2025

Mari Ann Hollis, 69, a dedicated public servant and longtime resident of Washington, D.C., passed away Dec. 27, 2024, in Alexandria, Virginia, following a prolonged illness.

Born Dec. 7, 1955, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Mari Ann (her preferred spelling over the more formal “Mary Ann”) was the daughter of Capt. Walter Elwood Hollis, a civil engineer with the Army Corps of Engineers, and Army Second Lt. Mildred Maud “Peggy” (Mims) Hollis, a nurse. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Mississippi State University and later obtained a master’s degree from Western Carolina University. Her studies also took her to the historic University of Salamanca in Spain, where she became fluent in Spanish.

Mari dedicated her career to federal government service, working for U.S. House Agriculture Chairman Kika de la Garza and his successor, Ruben Hinojosa, both Democrats from Texas. She later applied her expertise in federal grants at the U.S. Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services, assisting local officials in securing funding while ensuring accountability to taxpayers. Among her career highlights was guiding Spain’s Prince Felipe — later King Felipe VI — during his visit to Capitol Hill.

A passionate traveler and art enthusiast, Mari shared many adventures with her mother, who led American tour groups across six continents. She studied mosaic design at the Smithsonian Institution and cherished her Pekinese dogs, which she acquired from a specialized breeder in Ukraine.

Mari was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Peggy Janice Masterson. She is survived by her longtime partner, Andrew Kreig, as well as many dear friends who cherished her kindness and independence.

A Mercy Meal celebration was held Jan. 20, at Goldies Trail Bar-B-Q in Vicksburg. Burial followed Jan. 21, at Cedar Hill Cemetery under the guidance of Pastor Jimmy Henry of First Baptist Church. Memorial donations may be made to the Sarcoidosis Foundation or First Baptist Church of Vicksburg.