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Obituary for Elsie Holden
Celebrating the Life & Legacy of
Our Beloved
ELSIE HOLDEN Saturday, July 23, 2016
Life Story
Elsie Holden, was born on May 30, 1937 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Albert and Louise Purnell. Elsie was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System.
After meeting and falling in love with Edward “Chip” Holden, they were joined in Holy Matrimony on July 24 1954. From this union, was the birth of four children; Edward Holden, Jr. Arnold Holden, Steven Holden, Sharon Holden-Shelton who proceeded her in death. Her devotion to God and her family was her primary concern. Elsie was known to be a people person. A person that loved to laugh, joke,and talk to keep the mood light.
Elsie was employed and retired from the Philadelphia Quartermasters Depot. There, she served as a Master Seamstress who enjoyed making new friends, which always manifested into many social events. She truly loved to have a good time and make sure everyone left with a smile on their faces.
In the early 80’s, Sister Elsie’s walk with God became more evident as she joined Mount Zion Pentecostal church, and was saved and filled with the Holy Spirit under the tutelage of Late Pastor Mamia Fluellen. Sister Elsie quickly became involved with many Ministries, including the Adult Mass Choir, and Outreach Ministries. At Mount Zion Sister Elsie’s spiritual journey grew, she wanted to make sure that all her children, grandchildren, friends and family had a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Sister Elsie loved to travel whether locally or in the tri-state area to hear the word of God. She would often accompany her daughter the late Pastor Sharon Holden-Shelton on speaking engagements, and made certain at least two or three Grandchildren were in attendance. She loved to be around her grandchildren and affectionately called them her “Booga-bears”. Elsie enjoyed teaching her “Booga-Bears” many Christian nursery songs. One of her favorite was “Rolling Over”.
Later on, Mother Elsie attended W.O.M.B. Ministries under the leadership of the late Pastor Sharon Holden-Shelton. At W.O.M.B. she would be known for being a Prayer Warrior. Mother Elsie would spend hours out of her day, devoted to prayer for her family, friends, and people she encountered throughout her life. Whenever she had a moment to spread the love of God through witnessing, she did not hesitate. Her Doctors, Nurses, Nurses Aids, Therapist and whomever in the medical facility all received a word whenever dealing with Mother Elsie. She emphasized the importance of family, and provided the glue to keep all together.
Mother Elsie went home to be with the Lord on July 17, 2016. She was proceeded in death by: her beloved Parents Albert and Louise Purnell; Daughter, Pastor Sharon Holden-Shelton; Brother, James Green; Sisters, Betty Tilghman (Asbury), Arlene (Albert) Marks, and UlaMae Ferrell.
Elsie leaves to cherish her memories; Husband, Edward Holden; Sons, Edward Jr., Arnold (Diane), and Steven; Brother, Mr. & Mrs. Albert Purnell; Sisters, Evangelist Annette Robinson, Wilamena White, Grandchildren, Great grandchildren, and Great-great grandchildren, and a host of Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.
Abiding Truth Ministries 846 S. 57th Street (near 57th and Baltimore Avenue) Philadelphia, PA 19143
