Kayleen Hollines

A Woman of Wisdom and Love

The Life and Legacy of Kayleen Hollines

Kayleen Hollines was born on October 2, 1947 in Decatur, Illinois.  Born one of seven children, Kayleen was the daughter of A.D. McFarland and Minnie Lee.  Kayleen grew up surrounded by the presence, love, support of her brothers, Cornell Hinkle, Carl McFarland, and Virgil McFarland.  She also was blessed to have that same presence, love and support from her sisters, Helen L. Green, Roxie L. Williams, and Nina Hayes.

Kayleen received the latter portion of her early childhood education, entering the Denver Public Schools in 1961.  Kayleen would later graduate from Manual High School in 1967 here in Denver, Colorado.   After graduating high school, Kayleen attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado.  She would go on to graduate and received her Associate Degree in 1969.

By profession, Kayleen was a Banking Executive and worked in various capacities, including positions as branch manager and Regional Vice President.  Kayleen was employed by UMB Bank, and at several other regional and national banks.  Her career spanned over several decades, allowing her to receive numerous awards, recognitions, and serve on the board of directors for the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce, the Urban League of Metropolitan Denver, and the Foundation for Colorado Community College.  Colleagues remember Kayleen for how detailed and demanding she was, but also for how loving and caring she could be.

A woman of elevation, motivation and great inspiration, Kayleen made it her mission in ensuring that she was paving a way for other women to come behind her, as well as to ensure that woman were being considered and elevated to positions of influence and power in the banking industry.

Kayleen met the love of her life, Harry Harvey Hollines Sr. in Denver, Colorado.  The two would marry on September 3, 1967, at Zion Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado.  During the wedding ceremony, when Harry saw his soon to be wife, Kayleen, walking down the aisle, he was in disbelief as to how beautiful she was.  In that moment, Harry said to himself, “I must have done something good in life to deserve her!”  Kayleen and Harry spent over 55 years together, making memories and sharing their live with one another.

Kayleen and Harry’s marital bond would grow closer as the welcomed the addition of two sons, Harry and Randy, into their lives.  Over the course of raising their family, Kayleen would fulfill all the tasks and responsibilities that came with being a good mother.  Harry Jr. recalls that his mom attended all his high school games and can still remember and hear like it was yesterday how his mother would scream at the refs during the entire game.  Even is a sellout arena, Harry Jr. could still hear his mother’s voice out of all the other voices in the crowd.  But the beautiful thing that he knew was the fact that she was there!  “Thank you, Mom, for being my rock and support.”

In her later years, Kayleen’s grandchildren would become an additional source of joy in her life.  Her grandchildren, Javier, Mariela, Ellerie, and Kaylin gave her the nickname, “Nana Kay”, and will always remember her for all of her love.

In her free time, Kayleen enjoyed traveling.  She also loved shopping for jewelry and clothes, and listening to music from artist like Dionne Warwick, of which “Walk on By” was her favorite song.  Kayleen also enjoyed making genuine connections with people she crossed paths with.  Two of Kayleen’s best friends, Kerry and Fran, were part of a banking group that was a professional relationship that grew into a personal friendship.

Kayleen Hollines departed this life on December 1, 2022, in Denver, Colorado.  Over the course of her life, Kayleen accomplished much and left a legacy of excellence and love behind for all of those who were blessed to know her.  She is survived by her husband, Harry Hollines Sr.; her two sons, Harry Hollines Jr. and Randy Hollines; a host of grandchildren, her siblings, a host of extended family and many colleagues and friends.