Joyce Holder

Recitation of the Rosary for Joyce Elaine Holder, 57, was Monday, Feb. 24, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday at St. Joseph’s officiated by Rev. Edward Menasco.

Cremation will follow with Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home handling arrangements.

Joyce was born in Enid on May 2, 1967, to Jim and Carolyn Taggart Harnsberger and passed away Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.

Joyce graduated from Hennessey High School in 1985 and obtained her bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University.

She married Randy Holder in Hennessey on June 28, 1985, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Joyce taught school at Villa Teresa Catholic School in Oklahoma City for over 20 years. Coming out of retirement, she was a substitute teacher at Chisholm Middle School in Enid and also taught at Hennessey Elementary for one year.

She was currently teaching at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Enid.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Randy, of the home; two sons, Chase Holder and wife Brandi and Gunnar Holder, all of Hennessey; two daughters, Skylar Holder and fiancé Jake Johnson of Fort Worth, Gracie Holder and fiancé Mason Morland of Dallas; two granddaughters, Kinslee and Addi Lou Holder; her mother Carolyn Deaton and brother John Harnsberger, both of Hennessey.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Dee and Kathryn Taggart, father Jim Harnsberger and mother Lena Blanche Foster.

The family has asked that donations be made in her name to the Hennessey Senior Citizens Center with the funeral home serving as custodian of the fund.

Joyce’s life embodied selfless servitude. Through marriage, motherhood, teaching and community involvement, Joyce’s legacy echoes as one of humility and self-sacrifice.

Even during her last few months on this earth, Joyce’s chief concern was the well-being of those around her.

Joyce cared deeply about her loved ones and we are grateful she now feels the same love and care she gave on earth in the arms of her Heavenly Father.