Joyce Eileen Holder

Joyce E. (Rinehart) Holder, 89, of Evansville, died on March 2, 2015 at 4:45pm at her home. Joyce accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a young child. For the rest of her life, her faith in Jesus would remain her most sacred trust. Her faith sustained her continuously, and she was a steadfast Christ-like presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Throughout her 51 year marriage to her beloved husband, Lowell G. (Bit) Holder, she was a committed partner in musical ministry for their shared Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Possessing a beautiful alto voice and talented as a pianist, Joyce and Bit provided their musical testimonies through many presentations in numerous churches during their decades of service. Joyce served for many years as a faithful church pianist, teacher, and in other leadership roles within her church. She was also a long-standing financial supporter of TTT Christian Youth Ministries.

Joyce's highest priority, following her love for her Lord and her husband, were her four children, 12 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Nothing was more important than their coming to know Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. She was a continuous encourager and prayer warrior on their behalf toward this most important end.

Joyce's time of service to her Lord in "this life" is now over. She has gone home to be forevermore with her beloved Jesus and her loved ones who have preceded her. She will be missed by her loved ones who remain behind, but we rejoice with her in the absolute assurance of God's reward of eternal glory to all who love Him in His Son, Jesus Christ. Someday, we will all be re-united.

Surviving are her sisters: Patricia Baker and Mary Sterne, of Evansville, IN, and Lynda Bowles of St. Louis, MO; her children: Carolyn Clark (George) of Waco, TX; Susan Searl (David) of Evansville, IN; Michael Holder of Evansville, IN, and Jeffrey Holder (Dana) of Smyrna, TN; her 12 grandchildren: Glen Foster (Lindsey) of Winston-Salem, NC; Jeffrey Foster (Summer) of Charlotte, NC; Sarah Bathe, (Jonathan) of Lynchburg, VA; Jonathan Holder (Lynn) of Salem, IL; Matthew Holder (Katie) of Lakeland, FL; Rebekah Gunkel (Jeff) of Nashville, TN; Rachel Holder of Seoul, South Korea; Amanda Holder (Matthew Garner) of Murfreesboro, TN; Jennifer Rutherford (Stephen) of Houston, TX; Ashley Schneider (Jesse) of Cumberland, BC, Canada; Emily Searl of Evansville, IN; Trey Searl (Ericka); and 15 great grandchildren.

The family would like to express special appreciation to the staff of Deaconess Hospice. Their extraordinary compassion and concern, their professionalism, and the quality of every service provided made such a positive difference to all of us involved with caring for "Mom".

Visitation for friends will be at Alexander North Chapel, Saturday, March 7, 2015 from 4 pm to 8 pm. A private, family burial service will be held at McCutchanville Cemetery (Moffet addition).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to TTT Christian Youth Ministries, 13000 Highway 41 North, Evansville, IN 47725; or, to Deaconess VNA Plus Home Care and Hospice, 610 E. Walnut St., PO Box 3487, Evansville, IN 47734. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com