Iris (Nell) Hollingsworth

Iris (Nell) Hollingsworth of Bartow, FL, a beloved mother, grandmother & great-grandmother, was born in Soperton, Georgia on Feb. 5, 1932. She departed this world on Feb. 6, 2025, at Hawthorne Inn in Lakeland, FL. Nell loved people and was most happy when around family and the church. Nell loved gospel music, fishing and playing cards with family and friends. She graduated from Bartow High School in 1950. She worked for General Telephone in the Bartow office for 37 years, retiring in 1987. She worked part-time for another 9 years at the Polk Co. Abstract Office. She was the song-director at Main Street Baptist Church for many years. Her life centered around the church and family. She was also active in her community. She was an active member of the Pilot Club and the Lioness Club. She worked at the voting polls, volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce and her daughter’s kindergarten class. Nell is preceded in death by her parents, Ina-Lee and Clifford Hooks, husband J.A. Hollingsworth and brothers Elmer, Larry & Charles Hooks. Survived by her daughter Iris Gann, son Fred Hollingsworth, 5 grandsons, 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter. In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to be sent to the Gideon's. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 12 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow. Graveside service will follow from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow.