Mrs Mildred S Holden Obituary in Marianna at Peoples Funeral Home

Obituary For Mrs Mildred S Holden

Mildred Speights Holden was born on July 22, 1952, in Marianna, Florida, to the late Henry and Lue Ethel Speights. On October 21, 2025, Mildred peacefully gained her wings to be with the Lord, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Mildred accepted Christ at an early age and became a devoted member of Magnolia AME Church, where she served faithfully until her health declined. Over the years, she held numerous roles including Church Secretary, member of the Stewardess and Trustee Boards, Class Leader, Delegate to the Annual Conference, and President of the Church Choir. Her love for music and worship was evident to all—singing for the Lord brought her pure joy. Mildred often shared her beautiful voice beyond her home church, singing with Springfield AME and other community choirs.

A proud graduate of Jackson County Training School (Class of 1972), Mildred went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Florida A&M University (FAMU). She dedicated her professional life to serving others, beginning her career at the Florida State Hospital (FSH) in Chattahoochee, Florida. There, she worked in the Forensic Unit as a Medical Records Supervisor and later as a Social Worker. Her commitment to the well-being and dignity of her clients left a lasting impact on countless lives. After 36 years of devoted service, she retired from FSH.

Mildred was a pillar of both her church and her community. Whether organizing church events, leading outreach initiatives, or simply offering a kind word and warm smile, she gave selflessly and wholeheartedly to those around her.

In 1975, Mildred was united in Holy Matrimony to Clarence (Doc) Holden. Throughout their 50 years together, she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. To her grandchildren, she was affectionately known as “Grandma,” and she showered them with unconditional love, encouragement, and support.

Mildred leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted husband Clarence Holden Sr.; one daughter, Cordelia Yon (Jerry); two sons, Clarence Jr. (Stacy) and Teddy (April), all of Marianna, Florida; three sisters, Emma Dildy of Brooklyn, NY, Lizzie Davis, and Lucille Kirkland, both of Marianna, Florida; two brothers, John Speights (Agnes) and Walter Speights of South Orange, New Jersey; four sisters-in-law, Martha Ming (Raymond) of Orlando, Florida, Rachel Speights, Lizzie Speights of Marianna, Florida, and Virginia Speights of North Carolina.

She is also survived by eight grandchildren—Michole Baker (Alanna), Shaketa Baker, Sharnesia Baker, Nakeysha Holden, Skylar Yon, Raiven Borders, Keyman Borders, and Mileak Wimes—nine great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

Mildred’s life was a reflection of God’s grace, love, and service. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.