Gwen Viola Holder's Obituary
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.
What’s your fondest memory of Gwen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gwen?
Share a story where Gwen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gwen you’ll never forget.
How did Gwen make you smile?
