Elroy S. Holden Sr.

Elroy Snow Holden, Sr. was the youngest of five children born to the late Snow Henry Holden and Laura Dickerson Holden on September 9, 1930 in Pocomoke City, Maryland. He grew up in the loving Christian home of parents who dedicated themselves to making a better quality of life for their children. He attended the Pocomoke City grade school. Elroy witnessed at an early age how his father worked boldly within the system to make it possible for black children to continue high school in their home town rather than travel to Snow Hill, Maryland. His father's courage made a lasting impact on how he would live his life. He was affectionately called "Brother" by his siblings. His parents relocated to Wilmington during the 1940's. Elroy attended Howard High School where his brother was one of his high school teachers and the principal lived next door. He graduated in 1949. After graduation he was accepted at Temple University and remained there for one year majoring in Business Administration. To serve his country in the military branch of his choice, he volunteered for the Air Force and was discharged after four years of active duty. While in the military he began to perfect his natural artistic talent and amassed a portfolio of art work good enough for acceptance at the Museum College of Art, now called The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where acceptance of black students required special references. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Art Education. Upon graduation he accepted a teaching assignment at the Booker T. Washington School in Dover, Delaware and later taught at William Henry Middle School. He was one of two teachers selected to pave the way for gradually integrating The Capital School District by working part-time in two white schools. He retired in 1991. He was an avid gardener, hunter and bowler. He was a life member of the National Education Association (NEA). He was peacefully active in helping to integrate the Milford Bowling Lanes and the local pharmacy. We who loved him will cherish his memory, love of life and care for his family and friends. We dare not forget. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Claudia Harrell Holden of Milford, Delaware; three sons, Elroy Jr. (Gisele) Laurel, Maryland; Steven, Sicklerville, New Jersey; Jeffrey, New York City, New York; Grandson, Erik, Bowie, Maryland; brother-in-law, James Mckenzie, Charlotte, North Carolina; many nieces, nephews, and cousins in Virginia, Delaware, Maryland and North Carolina. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elroy S. Holden Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Elroy S. Holden Sr.

September 9, 1930 - September 3, 2014