Hosea Cardza Hollister Sr.

Hosea Cardza Hollister was born January 20, 1975, to Bernadine Hollister and Napolean Hollister in Forrest City, AR. From the beginning, Hosea possessed a curious mind, a strong spirit, and a deep love for those he called family. His interests were many—he loved history, animals, sports, and could certainly enjoy spending time with his Xbox—but nothing in this world compared to the love he had for his family.

Hosea was a hardworking man who believed that whatever he touched should be done well. That commitment was reflected throughout his 16-year career with Georgia-Pacific, where his work ethic and dedication spoke to the kind of man he was. The greatest measure of Hosea’s life cannot be found in a job title, the number of years he worked, nor the things he accomplished; it is found in the people whose lives that have forever been impacted by him.

To his family, Hosea was a pillar. He was someone whose presence brought strength, whose words carried weight, and whose love could be felt even when it was not spoken. His impact reached deeply into the lives of his brothers, Wendel, CJ, Edward, and Darrell, and his sister, Wakeisha. The bond they shared was built through a lifetime of memories, laughter, lessons, disagreements, triumphs, hardships, and a love that only brothers and sisters can truly understand. Hosea was not simply their brother; he was a meaningful part of who they became, and the influence he had on their lives will remain long after his passing.

Hosea was also deeply loved by his mother, Bernadine, who continues to carry his memory and the love they shared. A mother’s love for her child never ends, and Hosea’s presence will remain in her heart through every memory, every story, and every moment they shared.

Fatherhood was one of the most important chapters of Hosea’s life. Through his marriages to Vicki Groves, with whom he shared his daughters, and Tische Parker, with whom he shared his son, his family continued to grow. And Hosea understood that family was not defined by blood alone. He opened his life and heart to his bonus sons, Armondo Groves and Reginald James Jr., loving them as part of the family he treasured so deeply.

His children—Alisha La’Sha Hollister-Anderson (Daniel), Ayanna Hollister-Dickson (D’Andre), and Hosea Cardeza Hollister Jr—were part of the legacy he was most proud to leave behind. He was also a beloved grandfather to Elena, Eliza, Alexandria, Celena, and D’Andre Jr. Through his children and grandchildren, pieces of Hosea will continue into generations he may never physically get to see. His lessons, mannerisms, humor, strength, and love will show up in ways both big and small—in stories told around the table, familiar expressions, family traditions, and moments when someone realizes, “That’s exactly what Dad would have said.”

Those who knew Hosea knew there was more than one side to him. He was intelligent and loved history. He loved sports and spent time coaching youth football, giving young people not only instruction on the field but also another person in their corner. He loved animals, and no mention of Hosea’s life would be complete without Bane, his faithful dog and constant companion. Bane was rarely far from his side, sharing the quiet, everyday moments that often become some of life’s most precious ones.

And then there was Hosea’s sense of humor. He could joke, laugh, talk sports, settle in with his Xbox, or simply enjoy being surrounded by the people he loved. These seemingly ordinary moments are now extraordinary memories—the moments his family will find themselves wishing they could have just one more time.

Hosea’s passing on August 21, 2026, leaves a space that cannot simply be filled. When the pillar of a family is gone, the family does not forget the strength that pillar provided. Instead, each person carries a piece of that strength forward.

His mother will carry it. His children will carry it. His grandchildren will carry it. His brothers and sister will carry it. His bonus children will carry it. His nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends will carry it.

And whenever his family gathers, there will always be a place for Hosea—in the stories they tell, the jokes that still make them laugh, the lessons they pass down, and the love they continue to give one another.

Though his family will miss him deeply, they can find comfort in knowing that Hosea is now at peace with his father, Napolean, who meant the world to him, and with his beloved brother, CJ. The reunion he has found with those he loved so dearly is a reminder that the bonds of love are never truly broken.

Hosea Cardeza Hollister was deeply loved, and he loved deeply in return. His life mattered. His presence mattered. And although his time here ended far sooner than those who loved him could ever have imagined, his impact did not end with his final breath.

His legacy now lives in the family he helped shape.

And because of that, Hosea will always be with them.