Dorothy Lee Sexton Holden, 87, of Hendersonville, NC passed away after almost 3 months of not being able to return to her home due to her many failing illnesses. In the early morning hours on Sunday, August 21, 2022, God called her to her Heavenly home.
She was born on January 7, 1935, in Hendersonville, NC to the late William Lee and Mary Cagle Sexton. Her mother Mary died when Dorothy was thirteen months old and her 14-year old sister Katherine Sexton helped raise her. She had 2 older brothers, Clyde and Grady, and one younger sister Janice Jean, all who preceded her in death. Dorothy met Bobby Joe Holden while attending Fairforest High School in Spartanburg, SC. They dated and were later married, then moved to Homestead, FL.
Dorothy enjoyed selling Avon products, Parklane Jewelry, and oh yes…Girl Scout cookies. She was an assistant GS Leader. She worked several years as a bookkeeper at Southmost Packing House on the Farmers Market. She then became a traffic manager for nearly 40 years with DiMare of Homestead, FL. Dorothy would also work at DiMare Packing House on Johns Island, SC in the summer months. When she was 60 she got her Real Estate license, and earned many awards as a realtor for Century 21 in Homestead. She acquired a dual license while she lived part-time here in NC. We were all so very proud of all of her accomplishments. But she was most proud of all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She enjoyed having family gatherings at her home, whether Sunday dinners after church, or celebrations for any and all occasions. She decorated for all holidays, but her favorite time of year was most definitely, Christmas! She would wrap gifts for her family, friends, and everyone she worked with.
She had a lifetime membership after reaching her goal weight of 120lbs at Weight Watchers in 1990. She was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary at VFW Post 4127. She was a long-time member of the Church of the Nazarene while living in Homestead, Fl. While living her later years in Hendersonville, NC., Dorothy enjoyed being able to watch Pastor Greg from Mud Creek Baptist Church on her TV, although she did like to attend Sunday morning services when she was able. She loved spending the day with her beloved fat cat, Miss Kitty on her lap.
A Celebration of Her Life will be held on Sunday, September 4, 2022, on Labor Day Weekend. In remembrance of Dorothy, we will not be mourning her, but celebrating her. Please wear bright colored clothes or something you know she would have worn! We know she touched many lives, and we would love to hear from you if she in any way touched yours!
Mud Creek Church Family Life Center
403 Rutledge Dr.
Hendersonville, NC 28739
This was a great day!
To my dearest kindred soul…I will love you forever. My voice was not as loud as the others but my words connected with you instantaneously. You knew I knew we were connected by more than blood. It has been an honor to spend my lifetime with my grandma Nama. You will always be the spirit of holiday cheer, the spice in the kitchen, the humility in growth, the strength of love, and mostly the glue that held us all together. I will remember the words you shared from one of your favorites Dolly Parton, “Storms make trees take deeper roots.” I understood the assignment…xoxo
I have such beautiful memories from growing up and spending time at aunt Dorothy’s house in Florida. She always made sure we had a blast spending time with her and bobs family. I will miss you but im glad your at peace and up there with bob and mom. I know your reunion was one for the books. I love you always❤️
Our beautiful mama may have only stood 4ft 11 inches with her hair teased up, but she had more courage and strength of any person I know. She has fought her final battle and her race is final won. Praise Jesus!!! She asked me, during her final attempt with dialysis, “Kathy, can you take me to that place where I can rest and just not hurt anymore?” She was worn out and her frail body was so broken. She was talking about the Elizabeth House, so I honored her wish. Mama loved the Lord and knew that he was always there watching over her and her very large beloved family. She is finally resting in His loving arms. No more scars mama💔
I will miss hearing her sing me happy birthday every year, her sweet smile, but most of all her warming home with all the family gatherings and memories being made. I hope to be as wonderful as you namal! Tell papa we said hey and until we meet again…love you always!
The best. She took and loved me when she didn’t have to. I will miss her dearly. A beautiful life for a beautiful woman. I love you always.
Dorothy was a third cousin of mine. She was a lovely lady. Prayers are with her children.