In Memory of Special Deputy Marshal Havonia Denise Holley
The US Department of Justice announced that their agency had lost a special deputy Marshal to the COVID19 pandemic. COVID19 has been the number one killer of law enforcement in all levels of agencies across the US.
On Tuesday, January 5, 2021, Special Deputy Marshal Havonia Denise Holley, age 62, died due to complications from contracting the virus while on the job. Holley’s most recent assignments were at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building and the Courthouse on Ted Turner Drive in Atlanta.
US Department of Justice
The US Department of Justice, or DOJ, was initially formed in 1870. The federal executive department is charged with the enforcement of federal law. Other countries have similar offices, sometimes under interior ministries. Ulysses S. Grant signed the DOJ into its existence.
Special Deputy Marshal Havonia Denise Holley loved her job and understood that being a US Marshal is a highly respected position in law enforcement. While Havonia (Wikipedia, 2021) worked to handle security at a federal court and building, the DOJ comprises several other departments, including the US Marshals Service, the FBI, the DEA, and the ATF. The primary responsibilities of the DOJ are investigating white-collar crime and representing the US in court. In addition, the DOJ also manages the duties included in running the federal prison system.
United States Marshal Service
Under the direction of the DOJ, Special Deputy Marshal Havonia Holley was assigned to the US Marshals Service. The US Marshals Service is the primary law enforcement arm of the DOJ and federal courts. US Marshals are responsible for guaranteeing the operation of the judiciary and the integrity of the Constitution. George Washington was the first US President to enact this office and define its scope of enforcement. It was signed into effect with the Judiciary Act of 1789, making it the oldest US federal law enforcement agency. Marshal Holley worked to protect US courts, federal judges, and their staff.
The US Marshals Service also has many other responsibilities, including the oversight and management of the US Federal Witness Protection Program, federal prisoner and alien transportation, and the execution of federal search warrants.
Remembrances
Special Deputy Marshal Havonia Denise Holley touched many lives during her time here. She will be mourned and deeply missed by family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. She received honors at her ceremony to demonstrate Their gratitude for her lifetime of service.
Coworker Steven Harrell expressed dismay at the news of the loss of a friend. “I had the pleasure of working with Holly during her time in Atlanta. She was a great coworker and shared many happy memories about her life in New York. My condolences to the family at this time. May God bless you all. She will be missed!”
Friend Thomas Thompson shared his deepest sympathies with the Holley family. “My deepest condolences to your family, and may my prayers ease the pain of this loss. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength. My heart is with you and your family in time of sorrow. Wishing you peace and strength during this difficult time. You always call my mother and ask about me and our family. I will keep your family in my prayer.”
Frankie Boyd, a fellow worker, was saddened to hear the news of the loss. “My Deepest Sympathy to the Family on the loss of your loved one, Ms. Holley, as I always referred to her, as she and I worked together as CSO(s) at the Godbold Bldg. in ATL. She was a great coworker and was even a better person, whom I will always remember. May God bless her sole, and comfort her family as she now takes her journey.”
