Etta June Holden

Etta June Holden

 April 15, 1939 – November 28, 2024

Etta passed in her home surrounded by family on November 28, 2024.

 Etta was born in the “large” town of Sidon, Arkansas and raised in White County area most of her life. She was a member of Foothills Church of Christ for years. A woman of many talents-to say the least. Some of which included picking cotton on the farm to her working at The Shoe Factory, Yarnell’s Ice Cream, and Wal-Mart. From canning goods from the garden, shucking corn the old-fashioned way, quilting, sewing and crocheting, she knew how to keep busy. If you were lucky enough to be gifted a handmade quilt or a crocheted pot holder, you knew she cared for you deeply. She was always known as the sweetest woman and could cook better than anyone, especially since she could not smell. Etta enjoyed spending her time in the VERY BIG garden at their home. She was always eager to help anyone whatever way she could but stubborn-as-the-day-was-long when it came to accepting help from others. Etta was quick to warn that the salt comes out of the shaker fast but always ready to apologize for the bread being a little burnt on the bottom. If you ever needed to know how a host is supposed to treat you, you just had to step in her back door for her to offer you food, drink, or if you needed anything. Unless it was Monday night-you did not come between that woman and wrestling.

 She married Randell Holden in 1954. This coming January would have been 69 years. One would never argue that she had the patience to rival Job when it came to life’s struggles. They were blessed with three sons: Ricky Holden (Teresa Gail), Mike Holden and Wade (Amy) Holden and their daughter Teresa (Jimmy) Craven. Etta preferred things to be in their place and always knew where to find a bargain. You could guarantee that she had her checkbook balanced down to the penny at all times. Etta was not known to have a cross word with anyone, but if she gave you a look well…you were in some trouble.

 Etta is preceded in death by her parents Thurman and Lilly Barker, her siblings: Betty (Howard) Everett, Jr. (Maggie) Barker, Bobby (Faye)Barker; her oldest son Ricky Lynn Holden, her granddaughter Rianne Holden-Derr and her angel great-grandson, Reed Daniel. Although she was happy to stay on Earth if our God so desired, she was ready to go home to her beloveds.

 Left behind to cherish her memory is her husband Randell Holden; Two siblings: Gerald (Betty Lou) Barker, Larry (Opal) Barker; Three children: Wade (Amy) Holden, Mike Holden, Teresa (Jimmy) Craven; Four grandchildren: Sarah (Dennis) Dixon, Heather Holden, Heath (Amanda) Holden and Nick Craven; Seven great grandchildren-Mason Derr, Logan Derr, Kelsi Dixon, Abbie Dixon, Walker Holden, Ridge Holden, and Evie Holden.

 Etta was not known to many as “Etta” because she was called names with much greater meaning. This woman was known as not just a wife and mom. A friend, a confidant, one of God’s finest creations, and the best Granny anyone could ask for. If she were standing in front of us today, she would say “don’t fret about me. I’m fine.” She will be deeply missed but forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at the Searcy McEuen Funeral Home from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. with services to follow at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be in the Smyrna Cemetery. 

Arrangements entrusted to Searcy McEuen Funeral Home.