Vergil Van Hollandwas born on December 21, 1955. A native of Fort Worth, Texas, he grew up in the city’s Westside Historic Community. “Verg”, as he was affectionately called, attended Amanda McCoy Elementary, Earnest Parker and R.L. Paschal High School, where he graduated. Vergil began his career working for the city of Fort Worth, Texas. Early in life, he accepted Christ, was baptized and became a member of First Pilgrim Valley Baptist Church.
Vergilkept to himself, although he and his mom became unofficial Citizens on Patrol (COP’s) in their apartment complex. Nothing or no one got passed him nor his mother, Josephine. PLEASE don’t park in their parking spots or you would never hear the end of it, you just might get towed if they didn’t think you belonged there.
“Verge”had a special love for his children and grandchildren and was passionate about the things that concerned them. He never missed an opportunity to sow into their lives. They were his heartbeats and they meant the world to him. He also had a special bond with his great nieces and great nephews, they brought him so much joy. He took so much pleasure & pride in teaching his youngest nephew, Travion “Tra”, how to do so many things. One in particular was how to hit hard in football, which will always be remembered when Tra commences to playing sports.
Vergilwas the Co-Founder of the now, R.L. Paschal Afro-Centric Alumni Association (RLPAAA). It was after the loss of our dearly beloved classmate, Wayne Graves, that he and other Alumni came together to form such a meaningful organization.
Mr. Vergil Van Holland became ill while in the medical field at Harris Methodist Hospital. He took wings and entered rest on Thursday morning, February 22, 2018, with his daughters, Amber and Shynika and oldest granddaughter, Jaidah near his side. Upon his arrival he was greeted by his mother, Josephine Rose.
He is cherished in memory by the mother of his four children, Lisa Collier; his son, Virgil Whitney; three daughters, Shynika Whitney Jackson and spouse Gary, Ashley Whitney and Amber Whitney; brother, Michael Rose; sisters, Dionisia “Necy” Rose and Vanessa Montgomery; aunt, Lois Hawkins; eleven grandchildren, Jaidah, Jakailah, Jacquelyn, Jesse, Aniya, Keeiona, Virgil, Jr., Jerod, Jr., Journee, Raylen and Baylee; and a host of other relatives and a vast number of loving friends.
My condolences to the family and I will always remember the fun times we shared growing up as friends, neighbors and classmates. I wasn’t aware of his passing until recently, unfortunately I was in Oklahoma City due to my father n law”s passing. I will continue to keep the family in prayer, although he is at peace with God.
Always a smile and a quick hello. Sometimes had ate lunch together out in the Shacks.
Vergil was a kind and sweet person. He will be greatly missed by me and his family at Paschal. I am so sorry to hear he passed. My thoughts and prayers for the family.
My sincere condolences to the family. I have wonderful memories of Vergil & Fred Coleman that I will cherish always. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to catch up with Verg at our last class reunion. He was a beautiful person. May he rest in peace.
Vergil was his own “cat”. Quick witted, smart and loyal to a fault. He could go from a possum stare to that beautiful smile that instantly enveloped any room. That was the Vergil that I knew. His passing has left not only myself, but others lives a darker shade of grey in this world. May Godspeed him to a place chosen by his Master. He will be missed, but never forgotten. RIP.