SERVICES:  Saturday, February 17, 2024

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

10:00 a.m.

INTERMENT:  Pleasant Hill Cemetery

VISITATION:  Saturday, February 17, 2024

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Services for Mrs. Mary E. Holder Martin, age 84, of Bossier City, Louisiana will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Neely.  Bro. Bryan Stuart will officiate the service and burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be David Martin, Chris Martin, Joe Dziuban, Mark Holder, Roy Holder, and Joseph Holder.

Mary Elizabeth Holder Martin was born July 21, 1939 in her family's home in the Pleasant Hill community.  Elwyn and Mary met in 1957 at a restaurant.  Once Elwyn saw Mary he sat down and drank several coca cola drinks to get her attention and spend time with her. That was it, love at first sight and they were married on May 13, 1958. The next 65 years they stayed by each other's side making a beautiful life together. They had four wonderful children, traveled the world with the military, and made their home in Bossier City, Louisiana. She remained connected to her roots in the Pleasant Hill Community through the years and always called that her home.

Mary was so loving and gracious. She taught Sunday school and led several children to Christ. Through her example, she showed the family what grace looked like in action and how to live a daily life dependent on God.  Her greatest attribute was her selfless giving to others. She loved her family so much; they were the joy of her life, and as a great cook, she made sure she always had a meal on the table no matter what time it was.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Myrtie Holder; son, Kenneth "Kenny" Martin; siblings, Frances Holder and wife Hazel, Lillian Holder and husband Thomas "Beck" Beckley, Carol H. Holder and wife Tomiko, Edward Holder, Cecil Holder, a baby sister deceased at birth, Ernest Holder and wife Sue, Everette Holder and wife Liz; brother-in-law, Joe Singleton; and sister-in-law, Patricia Holder.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Elwyn Martin of Bossier City, LA; sons, Christopher and wife Kelly Martin of Seguin, TX, David and wife Sandi Martin of Fort Worth, TX; daughter, Diane and husband Joe Dziuban of Seguin, TX; 7 grandchildren and spouses, Phillip (Kendall) Martin of Bossier City, LA, Farrar (Colby) Modisette of Haughton, LA, Brett (Haley) Martin of Schertz, TX, Jordyn Martin of Georgetown, TX, Crystal (Scott) Booker of Granbury, TX, Joshua "Josh" Dziuban of New Braunfels, TX, and Emily (Tom) Daffern of Navarre, FL; 4 great grandchildren, Austin Berry, Kalynn Berry, Harlie Pool, Turner Modisette, Jake Modisette, and Malin Daffern; sister, Betty Singleton of Mobile, AL; brothers, Hancel Holder and wife Cathy of Beaumont, MS and Rogerdale Holder of Richton, MS; and several nieces and nephews.

Mary lived out her last few months with her family in Texas and passed away peacefully with all her family around her and, as expected, Elwyn never left her side.

The family would like to thank all those who have helped the family through this time with a special thank you to Ladd of Jones and Son Funeral Home, Mark and Leslie Holder, and Hancel and Cathy Holder.