Virginia Nell Henson Holder, 80, of Northport, AL died September 3, 2010, at her home surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Bridgeport, AL and lived in the area for many years.
Nell is survived by her husband of 60 years, James Elam Holder; her daughter, Deborah and her husband Major General Russell Cotney of Memphis, TN; her son, Clay Holder and his wife Shellie of Tuscaloosa, AL; and her son Dr. Paul Holder, and his wife Shannon of Colonial Heights, VA. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Lauren Cotney, Emma Holder, and Ellie Holder; her grandsons, Jacob Holder, John Aaron Holder, Daniel Holder and Denton Holder. She was known to her grandchildren as "Sweetmama".
She is preceded in death by her son, James, Jr. (Skip); her parents James Claude and Hughdee Turner Henson; her sister Jerry Coates; and her brothers, J.C., John, and Pat Henson.
A graduate of Bridgeport High School Nell was Class Valedictorian and a member of the Cheerleading Squad. Following graduation, she was active in class reunion activities, including developing class membership directories.
Most recently, Nell was a member of the Northport Church of Christ. For more than 50 years she worked along side her husband as he served as a minister for numerous Churches of Christ throughout the mid-south. An in demand speaker, Nell taught Sunday School Classes and Ladies Bible Classes. She organized and taught Vacation Bible Schools for community children and lent her creative and artistic skills to developing Bible lesson guides, writing bulletins, etc. Through their generosity she and her husband helped make the Bridgeport Church of Christ building a reality.
An active member of the various Communities where she lived, Nell was a PTA member, a school classroom volunteer, and was a substitute teacher when needed. She also served as a Cub Scout Den Mother.
Nell Holder was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She will live in our hearts and in our memories.
Funeral services will be conducted from the South Pittsburg Chapel of Rogers Funeral Home on Monday, September 6th at 2pm Central time. Interment will be in Rocky Springs Cemetery in Bridgeport, AL.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday from 12:30pm until service time at Rogers Funeral Home in South Pittsburg.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the James & Nell Holder Endowed Scholarship, Lipscomb University, One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204.