Patsy Ann Holden

Patsy was born January 14, 1941, in Hickory Ridge, Arkansas, to Bennie Lee House and Ima Beatrice House.

Those who knew Patsy knew a woman with a cheerful heart and a generous spirit. She was hospitable and charitable, always willing to welcome others and give of herself. She was an exceptionally talented seamstress and found great joy in gardening and cooking—gifts she used throughout her life to care for the people around her.

Above all, Patsy loved Jesus.

She was a member of Longview Heights Baptist Church in Olive Branch, and her Christian faith was not something she kept quietly to herself. She shared her faith in Jesus Christ with everyone and wanted others to know the salvation and hope she had found in Him.

That faith became especially precious during the final days of her life. With K-LOVE playing faithfully by her side, Patsy spoke openly with her care team about her salvation and how excited she was to spend eternity with Jesus. In those last days, she also experienced the beautiful fruits of forgiveness and reconciliation—a fitting conclusion to a life that ultimately pointed toward grace.

Patsy was blessed with a large family and leaves behind her children, Jimmy Taylor, Lori Curtiss, Lisa Taylor, Beth Williams, and Mary Preusch; her grandchildren, Jarrod Taylor, Kellee Taylor, Jill Sugg, Josiah Curtiss, Abby Baker, Nikki Pollard, Justin Pollard, Isaac Pollard, and Lacey Williams; and 20 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings Earl House, Barry House, Pam Castleman, and David House.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Bennie Lee and Ima Beatrice House; her siblings, Brenda Sutherland and Gerald House; and her husbands, James Merland Taylor, to whom she was married for 22 years, and T.J. Columbus Holden, to whom she was married for 33 years.

While her family will deeply miss her presence, they find comfort in knowing that Patsy approached the end of her earthly life with assurance rather than fear. She knew where she was going, she knew Who was waiting for her, and she was ready to see Jesus.

The words of John 3:16 beautifully express the faith she carried with her:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

For Patsy, that promise of everlasting life is now fulfilled.

Her family will remember her cheerful spirit, her giving heart, the things lovingly made by her hands, the meals prepared in her kitchen, the beauty she grew in her garden, and most of all, the faith she so freely shared.

Her earthly journey is complete. Her eternity with Jesus has begun.