Dr. Viola White Holden was born May 24, 1931, in Bridgeton, to the late John White (née Whitehurst) and Viola Sumrell White. She departed this life on February 21, 2026, in Bridgeton. Affectionately known as "Sis," she was raised in Saint Augustine A.M.E. Zion Church and graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1950. She worked more than 10 years at Owens Illinois. In 1954 she married the late Clifton Holden. Together they had one daughter, Viola "Cisi" Holden. Viola was a generous and devoted family woman whose home was a welcoming gathering place for relatives and friends.

After Owens closed, she lived in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where she worked as a barber, and later in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she owned a business. She eventually settled in Paterson, New Jersey, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from William Paterson University (formerly William Paterson College). She later earned a Master of Arts degree in 1975, specializing in English as a Second Language, and went on to receive her Ph.D. Dr. Holden taught in the Paterson Public School System for about 10 years. During this time, she was an active member of Greater Bible Way Church under Bishop Franklin Pettiford.

Dr. Holden later relocated to Los Angeles, California, where she taught ESL for more than a decade with the Los Angeles Unified School District. She worshiped at Bethany Community Church under Bishop Robert W. McMurray and served as President of the Pastor's Aide Board. After retiring, she returned to Bridgeton and resumed active membership at Saint Augustine A.M.E. Zion Church, serving as trustee, usher, and deaconess. She was also a member of the Community Ushers of South Jersey and the Ravishing Royals Red Hatters of Vineland, NJ. In her later years, she attended Refuge Church of Christ under Elder B. Sturdivant.

Dr. Holden was strong-willed, outspoken, and determined, yet deeply God-fearing and committed to serving in His house. She faithfully supported her family, church, and community, including the Garrett/Sumrell/Whitehurst Family Reunion Steering Committee. Truly, to know her was to love her.

Viola is survived by her daughter, Viola "Cisi" Holden Barnes (Joseph), Bridgeton, NJ; grandchildren, Jhamyl Holden (Desiree) and John Claude Holden, Paterson, NJ; Three great-granddaughters, Yazmine Monique Holden, Johnasia Holden, Naviya Holden of Paterson, NJ; 2 brothers, Rev. Edward White (Parthenia), Piscataway, NJ, Joseph White (Deloris), Clifton, NJ; 2 godchildren, Darryl Pitts, and Leigh White; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.; and 5 sisters-in-law, Martha Taylor White, Bloomfield, NJ; Elaine Watson White Richardson, Baltimore, Maryland; Erna Boone White, Virginia Beach, Virginia; Rosalie La Chapelle White; Los Angeles, California; and Denise Rice White, Atlanta, Georgia.  In addition, she leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Viola was preceded in death by her grandson, Naribe Holden, 15 brothers and sisters—Verna White Laster, Steven White, John White Jr., Hurlie White Bush, William Robert White, Elbert Lee White Sr., Nathaniel White, Claude White Sr., Selma Whitehurst, David Whitehurst, Verna Mae Whitehurst, James Edward Whitehurst, Lizzie Mae Whitehurst James, Bobbie Hosie Whitehurst, Rosa Lee Lloyd Scott, and several nieces and nephews.