Shirley Jean Holder

Shirley Holder passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023, at the age of 87 in Tranquility, CA. Shirley was born as Shirley Jean Newman in Senath, Missouri, on July 12, 1935, the daughter of George W. and Sarah Newman. She is the eldest daughter of 11 Children. Shirley married Billy Joe Holder in Randolph, Arkansas on November 6, 1948, and moved to California in 1950.

Shirley was an avid gardener and a wonderful cook. She loved being outdoors working in her garden and canning her harvest. She loved fishing and would prepare and share her meals with family and friends. She always had a smile and a loving embrace! All who knew and loved her called her “Granny”.

She introduced her grandchildren and great grandchildren to country living, as they call it. Taking the children on nature walks down to the river and catching tad poles, they loved it!!!

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Joe Holder, sons Steven Dee and Jeffrey Lee Holder, daughters Jean and Joanne Holder, Grandsons Roe John and Sgt Rod Lucas, Granddaughter Amy Holder, and Great-Grandson Sidney Holder.

Shirley was survived by her younger siblings Gwen Ray, Donnie & Ricky Newman of Arkansas. Her Children Ruth Areias and Kevin Holder. Kevin’s son Josh Holder, Josh’s daughter Cheylee, his wife Priscilla and their daughters Italia and Aviana Holder. Ruth’s son Rance Lucas (finance’ Rosille), Rance’s daughter Kayla and sons Trevor and Julian Lucas along with Trevor’s family Angie, Daniella, Jocelynn, Gunner and Mariah. Ruth’s son Rick and his children, Rick Joseph, Logan, Evelyn, Lindsey and Kelly Lucas, and the surviving family of Ruth’s son Rod Lucas is his wife Jami and their children and grandchildren. Son Oscar (fiancé Alexia) and Oscar’s son Nathan. Rod and Jami’s daughter Ashley (husband Jeff) and their children Logan, Allie and Luke, as well as Rod and Jami’s daughter Gianna and son Elijah Lucas.

Shirley’s surviving family from her son Jeff Sr is his son Jeffrey Holder Jr, Jeff Jr’s wife Michelle, their daughters Cara Holder (MaryKate) and Marisa Robison (husband Tristan), and Marisa’s children Kairi and Ruby Jo. As well as Jeff Sr’s daughter Melissa Holder and her children Christian, Arianna, Kobie, Seth (wife Valerie) and their children John-Avery and Ivey Bean.

The surviving family of Steven Holder are his grandchildren Caitlyn and Caleb Curti.

Granny shared her love and her faith in Jesus Christ with all her family and friends! She was revered, loved, and adored by all!!!

I want to give a special thanks to Rosille and Bobbie for all your help!

A visitation for Shirley will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel, 202 North Teilman, Fresno, CA 93706. Following the visitation will be a graveside service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Belmont Memorial Park, 201 N Teilman Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stephensandbean.com for the Holder family.