Evanita Mary Holder

Evanita Mary Holder of Brooklyn, New York, passed away August 30, 2020, at the age of 86. She was born October 7, 1933, in Airy Hill, in the parish of St. Joseph, on the island of Barbados. She was the fourth of seven children born to Miriam Gill and Adolphus Innis. Her siblings were Robert, Mike, Ilene, Albert (Cecil), Rufus and Ethaline. All, with the exception of Albert, have preceded her in death.

At the tender age of eight, Evanita lost her mother. She had a difficult childhood. She later determined to be a model parent. She was blessed with three children initially: Victor, Zita and (Andy) Anderson. In 1958, she met and married Alphonza Holder. From that union, five children were born: Roger (Hugo), Sven, Heraline (Pinky), Corolene (Margo) and Sherelle (Betty). Evanita adopted Anthony Harris at three months of age, Henderson Innis, Gloria Bourne and later, Charles King, after coming to the USA.

Smart, creative and a strong work ethic were used to describe Evanita from an early age. While living in Barbados, she was a sought-after house manager for prominent families. Desiring more, she attended Nursing Aid School shortly after migrating to the United States in January 1972. A brilliant woman of character, she was a trusted confidant to the families who enlisted her services.

One cannot talk about the life of Evanita without mentioning her relationship with Christ. In the 1960’s, she became a faithful member of the Braggs Hill New Testament Church of God in Christ in Barbados. She later joined the Emmanuel Pentecostal Faith Church of God in Christ in Brooklyn, New York. Evanita was ordained at Emmanuel as an Evangelist. She was a learner and attended Bible School which helped her in sermon preparation and she also represented her church in speaking engagements. A worshiper and servant leader, she happily served in whatever capacity she was needed. If she saw a need, she met it. She assisted with the care of some of her church members, some community individuals, she visited shut-ins and the nursing homes, prayed with the sick, cooked for the homeless and sent care packages to college students.

Evanita leaves to mourn her brother, Albert (Cecil) with whom she shared a special bond. She also leaves behind other siblings, Keith, Carle, Sylvia and Hyacinth Moore. She shared a special connection with niece, Myrtle Innis, they would spend hours in deep chatter. Evanita often recalled special memories with Margaret Philias, friend and confidant, Sheila Walkes. She will be dearly missed by so many to include, Ma Best and Elder Lewis whom she fellowshipped with until the end. Cousins, Mary Dawson and Cynthia (Dean) Carmichael also brought Evanita much joy.

To her children and their spouses, she leaves a rich legacy of love and faith. They are: Victor (Harriette) Gill, Zita (John) Knight, Anderson (partner, the late Norma Hunte) Gill, Roger (Novella) Holder, Sven (Petra) Holder, Heraline (Peter) Morris, Margo Holder and Sherelle (Winston) Holder-Lynch.

During her time of illness, she was lovingly cared for by her daughters, Heraline (Pinky) and family, Zita and family and Sherelle and family. Carissa Best gave valued service with her nursing skills and Ariss was a constant attendant.

The legacy is extended to Anthony (Michelle Toussaint) Harris and Charles (Tonya) King. Evanita’s ministry and career gifts of care can be seen in her grand (spouses) and great-grandchildren. They are: Wanda (Kenneth) Sossa, Maria (Terrance) Mease, Paul Knight, Allan Knight, Antoinette (Robert) Tompkins, Mareshah Knight, Christopher Jemmott, Sonya Hunte, Marlon Brathwaite, the late Martina Gill, Kirk King, Victoria Browning, Ashley (Chris) Barton, Miea Williams, Synthia Davison, Dewitt Davison, Jr., Nichole Holder, Adrian Holder, Ariel Holder, Michael (Libby) Holder, Omar (Tyesha) Holder, Tarah Francis, Kandace (Shannon) Peterson, Xavier Francis, Megan Francis, Madison Francis, Amanda Douglas, Daneen Reid, Javon Harris, Najahwan Harris, Imhotep Harris, Alisha King Owens, Charles King, II, Carson Best, Jr., and Carissa Best.

There are a host of great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and other loved ones who will meet Evanita again in heaven.

She will be missed immensely as she was loved greatly. There is no one who is trusted more with Evanita than Jesus Christ. She danced until she could not. Like David, she danced before the Lord with all her might (II Samuel 6:14a). We urge you to accept the Lord Jesus as your Savior so that you will see her in Glory.

A Funeral Service to celebrate the life and legacy of Evanita will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2020, 1:00 PM, at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with her son, Pastor Victor Gill, officiating, and interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park. Friends may visit with her family Wednesday, two hours prior to her service, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

CDC guidelines recommend social distancing (6 feet apart) and wearing of masks while in public.  Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home requests that you observe these recommendations while in our funeral home attending visitations and/or services.  In addition, gatherings are limited to 50 persons or less in our facility at one time.  Please honor these restrictions for the safety of the family, yourself and our staff.

Evanita Mary Holder's service can be viewed by visiting the following link:

https://www.livestream.caldwellandcowan.net/live-stream-gallery?wix-vod-video-id=0236d37c720b4cea9052a495651833e6&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-kdqcw61m