Obituary

Terry Elizabeth Holden

March 1, 1962 - July 22, 2022

Mrs. Terry Elizabeth Holden, age 60, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 5:20 PM.

Terry was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana, to Genevieve Lanier and J C Holden on March 1, 1962. She grew up and attended school in Varnado, LA.. Life was surrounded by family, especially her brother, Dennis, and sister, Sharon. At a young age their Mother lost her battle with cancer, which strengthened their bond even more. They supported each other’s choices and always showed their love for one another. They were blessed to have many special aunts, uncles, & cousins that provided guidance & love too. The family get-togethers, holidays, camping trips, and vacations were some of her most treasured memories.

She was the greatest example of strength, courage, and selflessness. Terry always had that beautiful smile & positive attitude. Her laugh was contagious and comforting. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She worked hard raising her children on her own. She always made a way and figured things out despite any obstacles. Terry never backed down from any struggle, but charged towards it. She played a big role in helping raise her grandchildren, and her kids were beyond blessed to have her. She enjoyed taking her kids & grandkids to the creek, making memories and spoiling them. Wherever they were, she always had them looking for “treasures”.

Family & friends were the center of her world. She loved and protected them no matter the costs. She was a caretaker with the biggest heart. She would take anyone in, or give them her last dollar, if she knew they needed it. She put everyone else above herself.

In 2013 Terry’s strength was demonstrated with a brain cancer diagnosis, and only six months to live. She fought hard against all odds. She had two brain surgeries, radiation, steroids, and diabetes, but she continued to fight for her family & Brad. Only by her determination and God’s grace, we had nine more years. She knew the cancer had returned, but stayed silent to protect her family once again. She held on until she knew everyone would be ok. She will truly be missed by all of those who knew and loved her!

She has now been reunited in heaven with her parents J C Holden and Genevieve Lanier, and special cousin Gary Adams.

Terry is survived by life partner, Bradley Breland, children (spouses) Michael Branch, Heather (Andrew) Smith, Bridget (Patrick) Owens & Shanna Breland, siblings Dennis (Linda) Lee, Sharon (Russell) Thompson, Shirley Holden, & Bobby Jean Holden; Thirteen Grandchildren Scott, Justin, Jase, & Bailey Branch, Kaylee, Gabriellah, & Jeremy Williamson Jr., Andrew Smith II, Alyssa Vargas, Hannah & Patrick Owens Jr., Parker Huber & Evelyn Magee; Four Great-Grandchildren Shailynn Williamson, Karsyn & Daniel Seal, & Ava Sullivan. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home in Bogalusa, Louisiana on July 26, 2022. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. 

Pallbearers will be Scott, Justin, & Jase Branch, Jeremy Williamson Jr, Patrick Owens Jr., Grayson Decell, Markees Young, and Andrew Smith.

Terry’s family would like to express their deep appreciation for the many prayers offered during this difficult time and throughout her illness. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to friends, family, and loved ones, Riverside Medical Center, North Oaks Hospital, Community Care Hospice, Resthaven Living Center, Highland Baptist Church, and Brother Chad Jenkins.