PHYLLIS HOLDEN

Phyllis Amelia (Allen) Holden of Jacksonville FL, 74, cherished Mother and beloved Matriarch, passed away peacefully at home in her sleep on December 19, 2020. Phyllis was surrounded by her loving family after a courageous year-long battle with late-diagnosed Grade IV Glioblastoma. The third of five children, Phyllis was born May 4, 1946, in Jacksonville FL to the long-established Allen-Bryant family of Folkston GA, and surrounding counties. Phyllis was widely known for her love and support of children, having retired after 34 years as a para-professional educator from Southside Estates Elementary School. Phyllis’ kind and nurturing nature instilled in her boys compassion for people, a love for animals, and a strong sense of adventure with a wanderlust for travel. She nurtured her sons to share her innate sense of curiosity, which led to their lifelong passion for learning and a shared love of reading. She encouraged each of her sons to be true to himself. Phyllis’ infamously wry and sweet sense of humor lives strong within each of her sons. Her constant inspiration, storytelling and laughter will be missed by every life she touched.

Phyllis is survived by her husband of 56 years, Frank Delano Holden. Sons: Dwayne & Brian Holden (Jacksonville FL); Travis Holden (Satellite Beach FL); Phillip Holden (Hilliard FL).

Grandchildren: Brittanny (Gainesville FL), Ethan, Colin, Harper (Satellite Beach FL); Hudson & Virgil (Hilliard FL); Brother ‘Buzz’ Allen and Sister Carol Allen (St. Mary’s GA).

Dwayne, Travis, and Phillip wish to express their deepest, heartfelt gratitude to their brother Brian for his constant care for their mother over this past year. Phyllis’ boys are grateful to their cousins Melissa Priest (Satellite Beach FL) and Kimberlee Carter (Jacksonville FL) for the emotional and physical support they’ve provided to their Mom and the entire family. Frank and the boys would like to thank his sister, their Aunt Diane Carter (Jacksonville FL) for the countless home-cooked breakfasts, lunches & dinners personally prepared and delivered, for nearly an entire year.

Phyllis leaves behind Frank who would like to thank his sister-in-law Connie Allen (St. Mary’s GA); brother-in-law Dale Blair (Jacksonville FL), son-in-law Timothy Hoal (Jacksonville FL), and daughters-in-law, Charlotte Holden (Hilliard FL), Jaclyn Holden (Satellite Beach FL); Nephews & Nieces Ken Priest (Satellite Beach FL) Eric & Kim Blair (Yulee FL), Bobby and Robby Allen (Folkston GA) for their constant visitations, as well as long-time neighbors and friends Mr. & Mrs. Gene & Grace Shimp (Jacksonville FL) for their continued calls and a lifetime of family support.

Phyllis is predeceased by an infant daughter Dixie Holden; Sisters Patsy Kennerly and Cherry Blair; Mother Joyce (Bryant) Allen and Father Iver Novada Allen.

The Holden family is grateful to Vitas Hospice Care of Jacksonville as well as the support of Concierge Care of FL.

Per her request, Phyllis will be laid to rest next to her sister, Cherry Allen Blair in Traders Hill Cemetery, Folkston GA.

The family will receive friends Monday December 28 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home from 10-11 AM.  Funeral services will begin at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home Chapel at 11AM.  Following the committal at Trader’s Hill Cemetery, a reception will be held at the Trader’s Hill Campground Pavillion with catering from local Folkston favorites.  Please feel free to bring your favorite covered dish. For those wishing to make a donation, please contribute to First Coast No More Homeless Pets at www.fcnmhp.com.

Due to the COVID-19, the family would like to ask all to please follow the rules of social distancing and face mask are recommended at the service.   Also, anyone who does not feel comfortable with attending the service, the family would like for you to know they understand and covet your prayers.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home, 526 Oakwood Street, Folkston, Georgia 31537.