Emma Lou Fenley Holder, 86, of Louisa, KY, passed away on January 17, 2022, due to complications from a stroke.
Born on November 22, 1935, in Tubac, Arizona, to parents Joel Norborne Fenley and Patsy Josephine Wright Fenley Mackett, Emma grew up alongside siblings Patsy Jo Hall, Laurys Margaret Anderson, George Everett Fenley, and Nancy Fenley Bailey. She met her lifelong love, Billie Robert Holder, at a young age. On January 24, 1951, they were married and soon settled in Silverbell, AZ. Natural caretakers and guardians, Emma and Billie adopted three children and tirelessly cared for countless others their entire lives. Blood was no boundary for their love and support, and their door was open to all.
The family moved to Louisa, Kentucky, in 1976, where Emma served as a stay-at-home mother until all her children were grown. She and Billie moved to northern Virginia in the late 80s, where Emma worked as a licensed practical nurse at Annaburg Manor. They returned to Louisa in 1994 and never left. Billie, affectionately known as “Poppy” to his many grandchildren, passed away on January 15, 2010, and the two were married for 59 years. She kept a token of his love till the end: a rose necklace he bought her in 1952, just because he loved her.
Emma was a devout Christian, a lifelong fan of Days of Our Lives, word puzzles, and her ever-growing adopted family. She was a loving mother and grandmother to anyone who needed one and touched the lives of so many people. Emma spent all her energy giving to others, helping others, loving others. She was love.
Emma is survived by her children, William Holder and wife Staci, Donna Holder Turner and husband Greg, Danna Holder Link and husband Jim; her many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many more “adopted” family members and friends. Their lives were forever changed and enriched by this remarkable woman, and she will be dearly missed.
Emma was a naturally protective person and held great concern about keeping loved ones safe from COVID-19; so in respect to her wishes, there will be no formal service at this time. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests random acts of kindness and love.
Young Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Mrs. Holder and her family.
