Patricia Rose Holder

Patricia Rose Holder, the daughter of the late William and Caroleetha Robinson entered eternal rest on April 27, 2024. She was lovingly referred to as "Patsy" by her family. Her friends called her "Pat" save one, who always called her Patricia. She was born August 23,1942 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Patricia was also predeceased by three siblings; Evelyn Belmer, Caroleetha Collins and Frances Robinson.

She received her early education in the School District of Philadelphia. At Simon Gratz High School where she attended, she was noted for her alto voice that many found hard to beat. Patricia often and proudly stated she was from the class of 64/60. The year was 1960 and this was the 64th class to graduate from Simon Gratz High School. Music was an important part of Patricia's life. She played the piano by ear, she sang the Lord's praises in the choir at Mt. Airy Church of God in Church, and she also enjoyed listening to her favorite gospel songs. Indeed, all of these were expressions of carrying the spirit of music in her heart. On a train ride from New York City, Patricia met her future husband, Deighton Holder. They were married in 1967. In 1969, from this union was born a daughter, Susan Patrice Holder. In 1970, Patricia became employed at Temple University Hospital as an office worker. She worked for Temple University for nine years. In December of 1979, she decided to leave the city of Philadelphia and move to Dallas, Texas with her daughter Susan. There she was employed by Sprint Telecommunications. For Patricia, Sprint was more than a job. It was a career and a calling for which she had great passion. She remained at Sprint for twenty-two wonderful years. In 1990, when her mother, Caroleetha Robinson's health began to fail, Patricia returned to Philadelphia to care for her mother.

The beginning of her spiritual journey began in the family church, Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church (Mutchmore Memorial) where she was nurtured through the ministries of the church. It was there she was baptized. In later years, she placed her membership at New Gethsemane Baptist Church. She continued her spiritual walk with the Lord at Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ. There she was a dedicated choir member, who also assisted with a newsletter for the choir. Over the years, all who knew Patricia were aware of her spiritual growth. This was not seen just in words, but in deeds as well. One thing about Pat, she would tell you where she stood with the Lord. She enjoyed wholesome television programming such as Hallmark movies and the Hallmark station. Patricia also took an avid interest in her extended family, both the Johnsons and the Robinsons. 

Her favorite color was green which symbolizes growth and resurrection. Patricia understood her parenting responsibility as a sacred calling. She worked passionately to provide her daughter Susan with every educational advantage. Patricia rejoiced in the day Susan became a graduate level educator. She lived the last two years of her life at Blue Bell Place in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. The staff, Roxanne Jefferson, LPN, Denean Richardson, LPN, Samantha Myers, and many others took amazing care of her. She leaves behind to celebrate her heavenly transition: her daughter Susan Holder, great nephew and godson, Randell Johnson Collins, her niece Gloria Belmer, her uncle and godfather Oscar Nathaniel Johnson, her cousins Janice Turner, Georgianna Simmons, Rev. Doctor Timothy J. Johnson, Marilyn Johnson, Steven Johnson, Bettie Booker, Jill Snead, Maxine Ford, Jacquetta Robinson, Alvin Robinson, Jr., and a host of other relatives and friends. She is also survived by her Sprint co-workers, and her dearest friends Lula Wheeler, Dolores Murray, and Reba Fountain.