Virginia Gaenelle Holden

Virginia Gaenelle Holden, age 87 of Jonesboro, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026 surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026 at Scott’s Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Dossey officiating. Viewing will be available from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. that morning.

Gaenelle Holden was born on August 8, 1938 to the late Ira and Mary Neely Adair in Rotan, Texas. On January 2, 1954, she married Garlan Holden at South Mountain, Texas. They moved to White Settlement, Texas, where they made their home and raised their four daughters. She was a devoted wife and mother, always making sure that the needs of her family were met. Garlan and Gaenelle spent many years at the softball fields in White Settlement. Their dedication was shared with generations of young girls, as they coached softball for many years. When the fields were renovated at Central Park, one of the softball fields was named in their honor, Holden Field. Upon retirement, Gaenelle and Garlan moved back to their “roots” in Jonesboro, Texas. She continued to be involved in the lives of young people.

Gaenelle, Garlan and their daughters spent countless hours planning and putting together the Santa Shop in Jonesboro. Throughout the years, she collected and bought many items and donated them in order to create a wonderland where Jonesboro students could shop for just a few cents. Her love for people kept her involved in her church, the school, and the community. For years, she served as president of the Jonesboro Quilting Club and was a strong leader with a vision of what should be. She was a devoted wife and mother and will be remembered for her generosity and loving hugs.

Gaenelle was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Regina Goodman; her sister, Shirley McCorkle; her brothers, Richard Adair and Neely Adair; and her grandchildren, Melanie LeDelle Goodman, David Duane Anderson, and Robert Edward Anderson IV.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Garlan Holden; daughters, Dawnelle Walker and husband Jay, Annette Kizewic, and Donna Holden; grandchildren, Amber Dawn, John Garlan, Stephanie, Jennifer (Rachel), Ira (Traci), Joshua (Kaylie); great grandchildren, Autumn (Christian), Jed (Ashlee), Quentin (Kenzie), Jaron (Morgan), Elle, James Ryan, Kayson, Kinzlie, Jace Cooper, Memphis, Maverick, and Milo; and great-great grandchildren, Baker, and Leonie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Gaenelle may be made to Jonesboro Baptist Church at P.O. Box 144, Jonesboro, Texas 76538.