Mary Rose Holden, pillar of her family
Mary Rose Holden, 74, peacefully left this world to be with the Lord Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, at home in Harbeson.
Mary Rose was born Feb. 1, 1942, in Bishopville, Md., to Emma Cater and Lancaster Johnson. At the tender age of 8 months, Mary Rose’s mother passed away, leaving her to be raised by her loving grandparents, Carrie and Harold Cater. Mary Rose received her education in Berlin, Md.
At age 14, Mary Rose met the love of her life, Henry Holden Jr. The two were married Aug. 9, 1963. Together the couple had three children; Henry Holden III, Marilyn Gibbs and Emma Gibbs, along with two stepchildren, Ruby Marshall and Nathan Henry. Mary Rose was employed at H&H Poultry for several years, worked as a personal caregiver and also a private residential cleaner.
Mary Rose was the pillar of her family. She dedicated her life to raising her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with her best friends, Roxane “Roxy” Morris and Gertrude “Fluke” Thomas. Mary Rose was affectionately called “Granny” by not only her grandchildren but extended family as well. Granny loved to tell a good story.
Mary Rose Holden is preceded in death by her daughter, Vernetha Mae Holden; and her husband, Henry A. Holden Jr.
She is survived by her only son, Henry A. Holden III ( Louise); two daughters, Marilyn Gibbs (Ronald) and Emma Gibbs (Larry); two stepchildren, Ruby Marshall and Nathan Henry; one goddaughter, Margaret Hopkins (Robert); a dear cousin, Kevin Mitchell; 17 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and 25 great-great-grandchildren.
Services will be Monday, Nov. 28, at noon, at Calvary Penecostal Church, Bishopville. Family and friends may call from from 11 a.m. to noon for visitation and viewing. Interment will immediately follow at the Calvary Penecostal Church Cemetery. Pastor Claudia Waters will be the officiant.
