Denise (Waldroup) Holder

     Bernadette Denise Holder, age 45, of Robbinsville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in the afternoon hours of June 30, 2026, in Robbinsville, North Carolina, surrounded by love.

     Born on February 4, 1981, Denise grew up and spent most of her life in Robbinsville, a place she proudly called home.

     She was a woman known for her strong will, fierce loyalty, and enormous heart. Denise loved deeply and openly, wore her heart on her sleeve, and would give anyone the shirt off her back if they were in need. Above all else, her children and grandchildren were her world. She would do absolutely anything for them, and her love for her family knew no limits. She was a devoted mother, a proud grandmother, and a steady presence to those she loved. Denise was also a loyal friend, the kind of person who stood by you through anything, no questions asked.

     She is survived by her fiancé, Jackie A. Queen; daughters, Kaitlyn T. Elliott and Kandace R. Farley (Mac); her cherished grandchildren, Randy Farley, Coy Farley, Slade Elliott, Harper Belanger, and Ryder Garland; her mother and stepfather, Brenda and David Artiss; her sister, Kerry Waldroup (Ashley); her step-siblings, Kelcye W. Crisp (Jason), and Jason Nichols (Amanda); and her stepmother, Elizabeth Waldroup.  She was preceded in death by her father, Joe E. Waldroup.

     She leaves behind a family who loves her deeply and will forever carry her strength and spirit with them. Denise’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and selflessness. Her presence has left an undeniable mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, and her memory will live on through her family and all the lives she touched.

     A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 pm Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Townson-Smith Chapel. Reverends Eric Sellers and Eric Reece will officiate. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am till 12:00 pm Friday at the Chapel prior to the service. Townson-Smiith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Holder Family.