Margaret Irene Simmons Holder

Margaret Irene Simmons Holder, 86, of Dacusville, widow of the late Ralph Holder, died Saturday, March 10. She was born in Pickens, the daughter of the late Furman Oscar and Clara Irene Trotter Simmons. She was a member of Cross Roads Baptist Church where she taught for over 40 years in the children’s Sunday School department. She loved children and took delight in the shaping of young lives. She was a devout Christian who lived her faith in every aspect of her life. She was known for her sweet smile and her humble spirit. Even at home, she could often be found sitting by the window reading her Bible and spending time with her Lord. She introduced a mealtime blessing to her children and grandchildren that even today is used by all members of the family and known simply as “Grandma’s blessing”. Mrs. Holder took great pride in a job well done and her hands were never idle. She was always cleaning up, sweeping out, polishing or waxing. She loved being outside in the sunshine and working in her yard. No shrub was safe from her shears and she could coax grass to grow in the most barren of places. She was retired from Southern Weaving Company and Berea First Baptist Church Child Development Center. She is survived by her daughter, Anne Holder-McKenzie of Dacusville, and three sons, Steve Holder (Carolyn) of Lilburn, Georgia, Eric Holder (Lynne) and Chris Holder (Kellie), both of Dacusville; nine grandchildren, Danielle Parker, Matthew Holder (Shilo), Meghan Knapp (Eric), Drew Holder (Katie), Joseph McKenzie (Madison), Adam Holder (Bethany), Marlie Yon (Harry) and Jesse Holder (Katelyn), and a grandson-in-law, Brian Caldwell; 10 great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Parker (Brook), Javen McKenzie, Bryson Caldwell, Cade Holder, Gray Holder, Aura Holder, Eleanor Knapp, Mia Knapp, Ella Yon and Reid Holder; and one great-great-granddaughter, Rowan Parker. In addition, she is survived by her sisters, Jean Cox (Jimmy) and Carol Plumblee (Bennett), and her brother, Hal Simmons (Jo). In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Edith Raines, Lois McRee and Colene McAlister; her brothers, Curtis Simmons and Wayne Simmons; a granddaughter, Rebecca McKenzie, and a grandson-in-law, David Parker. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 13, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Cross Roads Baptist Church, 160 Cross Roads Church Road, Easley. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. officiated by Rev. Phil Henry. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Pickens. Memorials may be made to Cross Roads Baptist Church or Pickens County Meals on Wheels. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. David Chang of Easley Internal Medicine and to Hospice of the Upstate. The family is at the residence. Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Holder family.

Margaret Irene Simmons Holder

December 7, 1931 - March 10, 2018