Lucile Stansell Holder

Lucile Stansell Holder, 98, of Tampa, went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Even in her final months, she maintained her bright, beautiful smile, greeted her grandchildren enthusiastically, and held firm to her eternal hope in Christ.

Lucile was born in Birmingham, Alabama on November 7, 1926, to Thomas B. Stansell and Ruby Sargent Stansell. Following her graduation from Girls’ HS in Atlanta, Georgia. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia State College for Women, now Georgia College and State University. She began a teaching career at Stone Mountain HS, where she taught home economics before moving to Florida.

She continued her teaching career at Plant City HS. After a year there, she moved to Tampa’s Hyde Park area and began teaching at H. B. Plant HS. During this time she met William Roland Holder, whom she married July 2, 1956. They had two daughters, and after several years at home she returned to teaching. She taught science at Coleman Jr. HS, and at Blake Middle School. She enjoyed sewing, homemaking, and traveling with her family. She and Roland passed on their love of national parks and America’s beauty to following generations.

She is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Patricia and Jon Pawelkop, and Shirley and Bruce Crosswhite, both of Tampa. Survivors also include six grandchildren — Laura Mize of Naples, FL; Leah Toms of Plant City; Mark Ammerman of San Diego, CA; Lindsay Potts of Moscow, ID; Brent Crosswhite of Tampa; and Lila Bearden of Nashville, TN — as well as twelve great grandchildren.

Lucile was a woman of strong Christian faith and of prayer, and was a member of First Baptist Church of Tampa, at the time of her death. She and Roland gave selflessly to a variety of missions and adoption-related causes. Their legacy is one of eternal impact.

Lucile will be interred at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park. A small graveside service will be held for immediate family. As Lucile was the last of her generation, which included her four sisters and many cousins, the family hopes to honor them collectively with a gathering in Atlanta in 2025.