Nina (Jenkins) Holder

            Nina Martha Jenkins Holder, age 84, greeted her Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 from her home in Stecoah, NC, while surrounded by the family that loved her.

            Nina was a native of Graham County, the daughter of the late Rev. Phillip Harvey Jenkins and Lela Viola Cable Jenkins.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Nina Marie Holder, and brothers, Dale, Clifford and Phillip Ray Jenkins and sisters Burdell Trull, Esther Shuler, and Madeline Cable.

            The true Matriarch of her family she is survived by her husband of 66 years, Billy Holder; their children, Michael Holder (Delores), David Holder, both of Stecoah; daughters Donna Holder of the home, Jeannie Stewart (Mike) of Whittier, NC, Anita Holder (Danny) of Greensboro, NC, and Hannah Holder of the Stecoah Community; and sister, Violet Grubb of Dayton, KY.  She is also survived by 11 Grandchildren and 17 Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Nina will best be remembered as a faithful wife and unfailing mother – a fierce defender of her children and grandchildren.  Her true calling was to be a mother and homemaker, and she developed skills in whatever she needed to do to be the best at that.  She was a gardener, cook, nurse, and business manager who knew how to manage and stretch money to accommodate a large family.  A devout Christian, she believed in helping others.  Her neighbors will remember her as one who was generous with her time and money whenever they were in need.  Nina loved to keep her home and surroundings in the best of conditions and that extended to the outdoors.  She also loved to read, and served as a librarian at two different local locations.

            Nina was a strong woman.  Before her work on earth was complete she had survived a tornado, brain tumor, and multiple life-threatening medical issues.  Her family will continue to draw on her extraordinary strength for years to come.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, March 3, 2019 at Stecoah Baptist Church where Nina was a member.  The Reverends G.D. Phillips and Bill Prather will officiate.  Burial will follow the service at the Holder Cemetery.  Grandsons and great grandsons will serve as pall bearers.

            The family will receive friends from 1:00 till 2:00 pm at Stecoah Baptist Church prior to the service. 

            An online guest register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.  Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Holder family.