Lenora Evelyn Holland

Lenora Evelyn Holland, 98, departed this life, March 28, 2014 and went to live forever in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Lenora Evelyn Gooch Holland was born May 9, 1915 on a farm near Castle, Oklahoma to Marion Henry Gooch and Ethel Strother Gooch who were married July 7, 1898. To their union was born Ruth Etta, Lenora Evelyn, Ishmael Edward, and Kenneth Arnold. These children all grew up on a 190 acre farm 7 ½ miles west of Siloam Springs, Arkansas in the Carnes School District of Oklahoma. Lenora Evelyn Gooch and Joseph D. Holland were united in marriage on November 2, 1939. They were married for sixty-three and one-half years. No children were born to this union, but they had many honorary children whom they loved. Lenora gave her life to Jesus Christ at the age of twenty-nine, while Joe was away at war in 1944. She taught children’s missions as well as Sunday School. Lenora accounts her long life only to the wisdom and plan of God. If Lenora had a hobby, it was growing house plants. Joseph D. Holland served in the 3rd combat battalion in the European theater of World War II for almost 3 years. He was called into the ministry of the Gospel in 1950. Lenora stepped to his side in this call and they immediately entered Bible College to prepare for this ministry. Joe was ordained a Baptist minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, December 12, 1956. Lenora stood by his side during that ministry until he retired in 1980. Joseph D. Holland departed this life May 16, 2002. Lenora was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph D. Holland; her parents, Marion Henry Gooch and Ethel Strother Gooch; one sister, Ruth Gooch Henson; two brothers, Ishmael “Cecil” Gooch and Kenneth Gooch who was killed in World War II. Lenora is survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Arkansas with Pastor Dan Crenshaw officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sager Creek Community Church, Siloam Springs, Arkansas or to Gideons International, P.O. Box 273, Siloam Springs, AR 72761.

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Lenora Evelyn Holland

May 9, 1915 - March 28, 2014