It is with great sorrow that the family of Amber Marie Holliman announces her sudden and unexpected passing at the age of 39 in Sandy Springs, GA on Friday, May 25, 2018.
Born on July 23, 1978 in Ocean Springs, MS to her loving parents Eulean “Junior” and Patti Holliman, Amber immediately established herself a person full of spirit, life, and independence.
Four years after graduating from Mercy Cross High School, Amber had the live-changing privilege of welcoming her cherished daughter Payton Jewel — whom she affectionately referred to as “the cub” — into the world.
Amber was dedicated to providing a stable life for her daughter and herself. She was a talented, well-regarded member of the service industry, having worked on the coast at the Isle of Capri and Beau Rivage before advancing into management at Adventures and eventually The Quarter in Gulfport.
A highly-intelligent, life-loving person, Amber was always drawn to the cultural opportunities that could be provided to her and Payton by a larger metropolitan area. A relocation to Atlanta provided them with just that. She quickly found what she regarded as a second family when she began working at the “Cheers”-like bar, The Rusty Nail. She made deep, lasting friendships during her time there — with many frequenting the establishment simply to spend time with her.
During her off-hours, Amber reveled in the opportunity to spend time with a host of close friends. Lake trips and barbeques were opportunities for Amber to share her sharp humor, loving counsel, and unwavering comfort. One of the greatest gifts she provided to those she leaves behind is that she never left anything unsaid. She made sure to tell those she loved how important they were to her daily.
Amber touched too many lives to count in her 39 years. Her amazing presence will be always missed and never forgotten.
Amber Holliman is survived by her daughter, Payton Jewel Holliman; parents, Eulean “Junior” and Patti Holliman; brother, Matthew Holliman; nieces, Julia and Laney Holliman; grandfather, Al Pickard; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and too many loyal, dedicated friends to count. Jessica & Nick Cardellino survive Amber as godparents to her daughter Payton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until mass time. Burial will be private at a later date.
The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.