Holly Maria Gaskins

Holly Ivey Gaskins, 59, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026 after a 5 year illness from an aggressive form of Parkinson's Disease . Born November 10, 1966 in Robeson County, NC, she was the daughter of Hilton and Lillian Penny Ivey.

Holly graduated from Orum High School in 1985, where she was a cheerleader, before earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from North Carolina State University in 1990. In April 1993, she married the love of her life, Barry Gaskins, in a ceremony at Millbrook United Methodist Church in Raleigh. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three children. Never one to stop learning, Holly returned to school later in life and earned an Associate in Applied Science as a Medical Laboratory Technician from Wake Technical Community College in 2007, a testament to her determination and lifelong commitment to personal growth.

Blessed with remarkable creativity, Holly found joy in making beautiful things with her hands. She crafted jewelry, was an accomplished woodworker, and loved building furniture, carving intricate designs, and painting her finished pieces. She had a deep love for animals, though monkeys held a special place in her heart. Some of her happiest adventures were visiting wildlife sanctuaries where she could interact with and gently pet them. Holly and Barry also treasured their annual anniversary trips to the beach, a tradition that gave them time to relax, reflect, and celebrate the life they built together.

She will be remembered for her creativity, curiosity, compassionate heart, and the warmth she shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Holly is survived by her husband of 33 years, Barry Gaskins; daughters, Ashley McCall (Matthew) of Greenville, NC and Sarah Figueras (Madelyn) of Cary, NC; son, Samuel Gaskins (Kate Holden) of Boone, NC; mother, Lillian Penny Stephens of Garner, NC.

In addition to her father, Holly was preceded in death by her grandparents, Glen and Ethel Collins Ivey and Howard and Claire West Britt.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 2:00pm at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529. Burial will follow at Fellowship Community Cemetery, 2850 Old Fairground Road, Angier, NC 27501. The family will receive friends Thursday, an hour prior to the service from 1:00-1:45pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary, 13915 North State Road 121, Gainesville, FL 32653 or to Quest Fellowship Church, 5120 Raynor Road, Garner, NC 27529.

Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com