Birth Date: 11/17/1927
Deceased Date: 07/29/2022
MAEZELL HOLDER JOHNSON:
Maezell Holder Johnson, 94, was born at home in Middlesex, NC on November 17, 1927, to the late Mrs. Louzannie Holder and the late Mr. Minger Holder. She peacefully transitioned to paradise on July 29, 2022, at 10:29 AM in the caring hands of UNC Health Johnston Memorial Hospital in Smithfield, NC.
She was the 6th child of 14 children. Maezell graduated from Richard B. Harrison School. In 1947, she moved to Portsmouth, VA. She studied cosmetology and worked as a hairstylist. Later in life, she worked as a Home Health Aide. She was a devout member of Third Baptist Church in Portsmouth, VA for over 60 years. While at Third Baptist, she attended Sunday School, sang in the Gospel and Sanctuary Choirs, and was a member of the Crusaders Club. While in Portsmouth, VA she was also a member of the Duers Courts of Calanthe #273.
After moving to Selma, NC in 2016, she joined the First Missionary Baptist Church of Selma and attended as long as her health would allow. Maezell enjoyed working in her yard, planting many flowers, her favorite were roses. She not only raised her 5 children, but helped to raise 5 of her grandchildren: Raymond Holder, Cidwaka Holder Vaughan, Dantae Carter, Andrea Bennett, and Christine Holder.
Maezell never drove a car a day in her life but had no problem walking, taking a cab, or catching the bus. She never met a stranger. She would always smile and talk to everyone. She was known to say,” It doesn’t hurt anyone to say hello.”
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 11 of her siblings: Roosevelt Williams, James Holder, Joseph Holder, Gayzell Stancil, Ben Holder, Sylvester Holder, Eula Ackles, Lonnie Holder, Sylvia Holder (Neal) Barnes, Mary Elizabeth Holder and Addie Holder. She is survived by her loving brother, Ransome Holder of Mt Olive, NC; and her loving sister Laura Mae Burgess of Washington, DC. Her children, Clifton Holder of Selma, NC; Euniceseia Holder of Norfolk VA; Samuel Leroy Johnson of Alexandria, VA; Courtney Kimberly Johnson of Durham, NC; and Christine Johnson Bowden of Mechanicsburg, PA. She was proud of her wonderful 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends
Viewing:
Friday, August 05
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Sanders Funeral Home Chapel
806 E Market St
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-8416
Visitation:
Saturday, August 06
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
First Missionary Baptist Church
500 South Pollock Street
Selma, NC 27576
Funeral Service:
Saturday, August 06
12:00 PM
First Missionary Baptist Church
500 South Pollock Street
Selma, NC 27576
Interment:
Saturday, August 06
Sylvia Memorial
Barnes Lake Rd.
Middlesex, NC 27557
