Jennifer Paige Ellis Holden, age 47, of West Jefferson, NC passed away on Friday, December 15 at her home after a brief, but difficult battle with Lymphoma, which she fought until her last breath.
She was born June 1, 1976 in Asheville, NC to the late Michael Ellis and Sammie V. Ellis. Jennifer was of the Christian faith and a humble servant of God. She graduated from Appalachian State University in 1998 with a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education, and later obtained a Master’s Degree in Administration. Jennifer excelled as an administrator for the last 17 years of her career. She was the heartbeat of Westwood Elementary School. Her dedication and compassion for her students and staff were undeniably present throughout the school. Jennifer’s radiant smile and remarkable kindness were felt by everyone she met. Jennifer’s greatest accomplishment in life was being a mom to her two girls. They were the light of her life, and she never missed an opportunity to be with and support them. Jennifer enjoyed traveling with her family and her favorite place was anywhere on a beach. She simply lit up a room and never met a stranger. Jennifer was loved by all.
She was preceded in death by her father, Michael Ellis, her grandparents, Aunt Cathy Vance Beam, and Uncle John M. Vance. Survivors include her husband, Todd Holden, her daughters, Lauren and Lindsey Robinson, all of West Jefferson, her mother, Sammie V. Ellis of Spruce Pine, her twin brother, Jeff Ellis and wife, Heidi, a niece, Bailey Ellis, and a nephew, Sam Ellis, all of Deep Gap, NC, and a first cousin, Craig Beam of Shelby, NC. Also surviving is her husband’s son, Zach Holden, and dear friends, Terry Richardson and Angela Watts. Jennifer Holden will be greatly missed by all.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 6pm at Westwood Elementary School Auditorium with Rev. Dustin Farmer, Rev. Michael Lea, and Rev. John Elledge. Graveside services will be private.
The family will receive friends on Thursday at Westwood Elementary School Auditorium from 3:00-5:45pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to Westwood Elementary School, 4083 US Hwy 221, West Jefferson NC 28694 ℅ Kayla Moore, for a memorial and scholarship fund in Jennifer’s name.
