Gwen Viola Holder Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Gwenneth Viola Matthews Holder transcended to Heaven on Saturday, July 2, 2022, in Austell, Georgia, where she resided for just over a year. Gwen was born on May 15, 1944, in St. Kitts, British West Indies, to her loving parents Ms. Georgina Goodman and Mr. Evelyn Augustus Matthews. Where during her early years she enjoyed her time growing up with family, friends, and learning biblical scriptures and songs. She had 3 sisters Patricia (Patsy) Goodman, Ivia Goodman, and Teresa Guire, and 5 brothers, Eustace Rawlings, Insworth Matthews, Jamie Wright, and outlived Ralph Goodman and Albert Matthews. She came to Toronto, Canada, in June 1957, to live with her father, grandmother Susanne Lucretia Matthews, Aunt Yvonne Matthews, and Uncle Howard Matthews. Her grandmother not only continued providing the love and respect to the children growing up in her household that she received in the islands, but also teaching an understanding of the Canadian lifestyle and a sturdy grounding for sense of self. Gwen was cousin to Denese Matthews, Tuku Matthews, and Saidah Matthews. Several years later she met and married Gregory Holder Sr., and in November 1964 gave birth to her only child Gregory Henderson Holder Jr. Gwen enjoyed entertaining family and friends, traveling, and had a passion for helping others. She was a Leader, both inquisitive and intelligent. She completed and received several Awards, Diploma’s, and Certificates in the Social Service Work, Sociology, Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Practical Parenting, and Paralegal fields. She was a volunteer probation officer at the John Howard Society, worked as a Case Worker at Metro Social Services, and then Fundraiser and Special Events Coordinator for the Riverdale Business Community Center. With her heart shining brightly, being even further inspired with her gained knowledge and experience, she followed her passion and through entrepreneurial spirit established her own company called Canadian Caribbean Immigrant Support Services (CCISS), to assist newcomers and long-term residents from the Caribbean and other ethnic communities, with transplanting into the Canadian system and utilizing the available services. She was a giving of her time and energy with family, friends, co-workers, and loved ones, with an effortless appearance. She was an aunt to Donald Goodman, Michelle Goodman, Steven Goodman, Gerrard Goodman, and Amanda Goodman, who currently reside in Europe. Adrian Goodman, Andrea Matthews, Jason Matthews, who currently reside in Canada. Eustace Rawlings Jr (JR), Andrea Johnson, and Nichole Ellington, who currently reside in the United States of America. Also a Great Aunt and Great Great Aunt to many. In March 2021, Gwen made her final move to Austell, Georgia, to live with her son Gregory Holder Jr., daughter-in-law Charlene Holder, and grandchildren Jermaine Holder, and Jonae Holder. She was proceeded in death by her eldest grandson Julius Holder during the relocation. Throughout her time, Gwen had made some solid friendships. She shared and received love from family members, friends, nursing and homecare workers, and her church family. Gwen loved and served God through her spiritual walk, and although we are saddened by the loss her presence, we can find peace in knowing she is with our Divine Creator.