Mildred Holden

Mildred Ivy Holden, 94, resident of Jackson County for 90 years, died at Trinity Village Medical Center in Pine Bluff on Thursday, January 6, 2011, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was born on November 26, 1916, to Robert A. and Lucy Tims Ivy. As a child in Tuckerman, she took piano, expression and bridge lessons, developing talents she would use the rest of her life. At sixteen, Mildred went to Central Baptist College in Conway, where she majored in music. After graduation she returned to Jackson County to teach elementary school. She won the Miss Tuckerman contest, and was a contestant in the Miss White River contest in Batesville. While teaching at Greenhaw School south of Tuckerman, she met her husband, Fred M. Holden of Newport. Newport would be Mildred Ivy Holden's home for the next 70 years. Throughout those years, she was a faithful and active member of First United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday school, played the piano, and presented programs for the United Methodist Women. She was President of the Women's Society of Christian Service, and received a Lifetime Membership in recognition of her outstanding service. She taught the Seekers Adult Sunday school class until she was almost 90. Mildred served as President of P.E.O. Chapter R and the McDowell Music Club and was active in the Newport Service League and Newport Concert Series. She was an avid bridge player, traveler, and student. Always willing to share her love of music and knowledge, Mildred continually devoted time, study and energy to prepare programs on a variety of topics for Jackson County churches, clubs, and organizations. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred M. Holden on July 13, 1981, and her sister, Carmen Ivy Murphy. Mildred is survived by two sons, Fred Michael Holden of Goldsboro, North Carolina and Charles Robert Holden and wife Gloria of Newport; one daughter, Carmen Holden McHaney and husband James M. of Little Rock; grandsons, Robert Gray Holden and wife Melissa of Fenton, Missouri, Chris Holden of Jonesboro, Michael McHaney of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Holden McHaney of Little Rock; great-grandchildren, John, Christopher, and Cora Holden of Fenton, Missouri; niece, Lucie Belle Murphy Giller of El Dorado; childhood and lifelong friend, Blanche Herrington Johnston of Pine Bluff; many loving friends and relatives in Jackson County. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Trinity Medical Center and Arkansas Hospice who so lovingly cared for Mildred. Graveside services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Walnut Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 3rd and Laurel Streets, Newport, AR 72112; Jonesboro Human Development Center, 4701 Colony Drive, Jonesboro, Ark. 72404-7205, or Trinity Village Medical Center Van Fund, 6400 Trinity Drive, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71603. Arrangements:Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com.