Celia Holder; Sept. 26, 2010

Celia Whitley Holder, 75, of Madison passed away peacefully Sunday, Sept. 26.

Celia was born Celia Mae Whitley in Caledonia, Miss., July 4, 1935. She attended Mississippi State College for Women, University of Southern Mississippi and the University of West Florida, where she earned a degree in special education and began a career of teaching children with special needs until her retirement in 1997. She had taught in Florida, North Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama and Texas.

Celia was an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church, the Sew ‘N’ Tell Asbury Sewing Club and Ruth’s Circle. She was the beloved wife of Kenneth M. Holder of Madison. Celia was loved by all who knew her for her kind, gentle ways and her enthusiasm for life. In spite of ill health, she always displayed an indomitable spirit and grace.

Celia was preceded in death by her son, Whitley Leonard, and her parents, Joseph and Willie Mae Whitley.

She is survived by her husband, Ken; her son, John Leonard of Houston; stepsons, Rob Holder and wife Kathy of Sierra Vista, Ariz., J. Bret Holder and wife Jennifer of Metairie, La., and Kenny Holder of Costa Mesa, Calif.; grandchildren, Erin, Leah, Hannah, Jonathan and Justin; sisters, Judith Webb of Huntsville and Marion Whitley of New York, N.Y.; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The memorial service was at 11 a.m. Sept. 30 at Asbury United Methodist Church. Burial was in Huntsville Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 7669; Atlanta, GA 30357-0669 or to the Asbury United Methodist Church Building Fund, 980 Hughes Road; Madison, AL 35758.