Donna Gail Holder

 Donna Holder completed her amazing journey on earth, on March 18, 2020, in Asheville, at age 65.  A lifelong resident of Stecoah, she was known and loved by all.

     She was preceded in death by her devoted mother, Nina.  Donna is survived by her father, Billy Holder, of the home, and her siblings, Michael, Jeannie, Anita, and David.  She is also survived by so many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, out-laws, and friends that are like family, we’ve simply lost count.  You know who you are.

     Donna felt like a second mother to her eleven nieces and nephews, and all their children as well.  She recorded conversations with them as small children, to preserve for future generations, and could tell you a unique story about each child. She was also the family historian and could recite names, dates, birthdates, events, and family stories over several generations.

     Donna attended Asheville Orthopedic Hospital at age six, to learn to walk with the use of crutches, and then attended and graduated from Stecoah High School in 1973.

     Over the years she enjoyed writing over 60 Christian hymns, her own book “Second Chance”, writing fiction, beating people at Scrabble, going to concerts, and travelling.  She had a great sense of humor, (What time is best for a dental appointment?  Tooth hurty!). She loved chocolate, and hated telemarketing calls.  She loved country music, but not Garth Brooks.  She loved babies, but only liked dogs a little.  On occasion she would use a swear word, but not too often, and usually whispered.  She was one of a kind.

     Doctors have no scientific explanation for Donna’s ability to have lived and prospered for so many years.  We are thankful for the exceptional medical care she received over time, but know that God was always her primary care physician.  Although Donna was faced with physical challenges during her life, she would want you to know that whatever struggles you are facing, to “love God, and love your family”, in that order, and just keep going.

            Funeral Services will be held at 6:00 pm Friday, March 20, 2020 at the Townson-Smith Chapel.  The Reverend Bill Prather will officiate.  The family will receive friends from 4:00 till 6:00 pm Friday at the Chapel prior to the service.

            Committal Services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, March 21, 2020 at the Holder Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Donna preferred that you think of others who are in need.  Please consider a donation to Shriner’s Children Hospital, or the charity of your choice.

            ***While we are under Executive Order No. 117 from Governor Roy Cooper, we ask that you please be mindful of the limitations that have been placed on mass gatherings which is limited to one hundred (100).  We will continue to provide the same quality of service and compassion to the families we serve, but for the protection of them, your family, and ours, we ask that if you attend the visitation for Ms. Holder that you please be mindful of social distancing: sign the register book, offer your condolences, and exit quickly to allow others the chance to do the same.  There will be a register stand set up just outside the door with service folders for those who wish to sign without having to come into the building in addition to the register book inside.  We will also be printing the online register book for the family to allow as many that will to utilize this option to express their love and words of encouragement to the family.  In addition, we will be glad to sign the register book at the service for you.  Simply call (828) 479-3350 and anyone here will be glad to assist you.

            In order for us to be in compliance, we will be limiting the number of people in the Chapel during visitation to the immediate family and 20-25 who are in line to offer their condolences.  Once 20-25 people are in the chapel, we will close the chapel doors and have 20-25 people waiting in our lobby.  Once the Chapel has cleared, we will allow the 20-25 from our lobby in the Chapel and then repeat the process.  The doors at the back of the chapel will be open for exit only to allow one-way travel while inside the building and minimize the wait time.

            Anyone who wishes to attend the funeral service is asked to arrive at 5:30 pm.  We will begin seating for the service at 5:45 pm and we will have to limit the number in attendance as to permit compliance with Executive order No. 117.

            We appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation during this period.***

Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Holder Family.