Bobbie Holder

Bobbie Holder was born on November 20, 1928, in Raleigh, the youngest of 8 children born to Willis Henry and Effie Avent Thompson. While she was named after her mother, she was always known by the nickname, “Bobbie”, given to her by her father. She grew up in the family home on Whitaker Mill Road, walking to school at Hayes Barton Elementary School and to Broughton High School with her sisters and friends. Bobbie has been Presbyterian since birth. Her father and oldest sister were charter members of North Vanguard Presbyterian Church now Westminster Presbyterian Church. Music was also a very important part of Bobbie's life, and she started piano lessons at the age of 11. At the age of 20, she was playing the organ for services at Westminster and has continued to play her entire life.

After high school, Bobbie attended NC State University, graduating in 1950, and earning a B.S. with High Honors in Textiles. While there, she met the man she was to marry, Louis Laird Holder, and they carpooled to classes in Laird’s Model A Ford. Bobbie and Laird married on a snowy November day in 1950 when Laird was on convalescent leave after being wounded in Korea. Being in the military, they started the years of moving to various posts and assignments around the world. Two children were born to them during this time: Michael in Alabama and Cheryl in California. Two tours of duty in Germany contributed to a life-long love of German culture for the entire family. Bobbie continued her musical activities, serving various churches on and off military posts as organist/accompanist.

Music was not Bobbie's only artistic endeavor. She was an excellent crafter, but she loved needlework and cake decorating. Her cross stitch and crewel work won ribbons at the State Fair. Her decorated cakes—including wedding cakes—Christmas cookies, and Easter eggs are legendary among her family and friends. She also excelled at beaded flowers before it was trendy and helped make Chrismons for First Presbyterian Church Christmas trees. Bobbie was active Red Cross Volunteer at Blood Mobiles and Army Hospitals for over 25 years, for which she received the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer award in 1990.

Genealogy was an interest Bobbie and Laird both shared, and they researched both sides of the family. Bobbie was active in the Daughters of the American Revolution for many years, serving in several local, state, and national offices. She belonged to 14 genealogical organizations, including the Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, and Jamestowne Society. Family was very important to Bobbie and she maintained connections with her Scottish roots through the Clan Buchanan Society and locally the Avent-Buchanan family group. She relished family reunions and always delighted her extended family with her wickedly dry sense of humor and her generous and warm spirit.

In 1968 Bobbie and Laird returned to Raleigh when Laird retired from the military. They joined Westminster Presbyterian Church—the church where they grew up and married. They moved their membership to First Presbyterian Church (FPC) in 1989. Bobbie's greatest gift was serving our Lord in so many different functions with such joy. She was an ordained Elder, Clerk of Session, Sunday school leader, Circle Leader, children’s choir accompanist, organist, and handbell choir member. She was presented with the Presbyterian Women Life Membership in 2009 for all her contributions. For many years Bobbie substituted as organist and she played in the rotation for the FPC Wednesday services. She also accompanied professional soloists and choruses. In the midst of the pandemic, Bobbie moved to Springmoor Retirement Community where she continued to offer her gift of music playing piano for their Vespers service. Always faithful to her commitments, she played for the Christmas Vespers this year.

Bobbie is survived by her children Michael Holder and Cheryl (Keith) Benze, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and other extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, her parents, and 7 siblings.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 2:00 pm. Prior to the service, the Burial will be at Raleigh Memorial Park at 11:00 am. Visitation will be 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Sunday, January 7, at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bobbie’s memory to First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh; or the Springmoor Friendship Fund.

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com