Lillian Evia Holder

Robbinsville - Lillian Evia Holder, 97, of Robbinsville and Burnsville, NC, passed away Monday, December 3, 2012 at Swain Hospital, Bryson, City, NC.

She was a daughter of the late Tolvin and Clara Aldridge. She was the loving and faithful wife of Wayne G. Holder, who died in 1973. She is survived by all five of her daughters: Frankie Ball and husband Wade of Bryson City, Bernice Cabe and husband Mack of Franklin, Olene Taylor and husband Edgar, Arlene Henry of Charlotte, and Joann Tipton and husband Earl of Burnsville. She is also survived by Grandchildren David Ball (Jackie), Gina West (Don), Monica Cansler (John), Karen Tallent, Jon Taylor, Melanie Blount (Ritchie) and Kim Rathburn (Darrell); Great Grandchildren Adam Ball, Nicole Ball, Crystal Watkins, Ethan Cansler, Sarah Norris, Dustin Tallent, Anna Grace and Lily Blount, Allyson and Daulton Rathburn; and 14 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Dessie Holder and Lois Eller of Robbinsville, Ida Brooks and Helen Dobbins of Marion, NC, and Icie Banks of Burnsville, NC.

"Miss Evie" was a devout Christian lady who prepared "home cooked" meals on a wood cook stove, creating a warm and welcoming sight to all who entered her doors and sat at her table. She loved quilting, gardening, and preserving the fruits of her labors. She lived independently in her home until two years ago and made large gardens each year. Her yard was always full of beautiful flowers and was a constant source of wonder and pleasure for her neighbors and passersby. She was a kind and gentle soul who loved the simple way of life. She never wanted much - just enough to be able to give away to her family, neighbors and friends. She was a charter member of Sawyer's Creek Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, December 6, 2012 at the Townson-Smith Chapel. The Reverends Delmar Holder and Noah Williams will officiate. Burial will follow at Gunter Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at the Chapel, prior to the service.

Townson-Smith Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.

Published as a courtesy of Bryant-Grant Funeral Home.