Nancy Ellen Holden

Nancy Ellen Holden, 81, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 in Dallas, TX. Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Waterview Church of Christ, 1409 Waterview Drive, Richardson, TX. Visitation: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Waterview Church of Christ, 1409 Waterview Drive, Richardson, TX. Graveside Service: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Springtown Cemetery in Springtown, TX. Nancy Ellen Sandlin was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 5, 1942, to Myrtle and Odem Waldron Sandlin of Springtown. She was the only offspring from that union. Nancy spent her formative years in Springtown, Texas. Myrtle and Waldron were a vital part of the Springtown community. Nancy was the cute little girl growing in their footsteps as devout members of the Springtown church of Christ and contributors to the daily lives of those around. Waldron ran the cleaning shop in the downtown square, and everyone who passed by quickly learned that Nancy was very special. She brought big smiles to everyone who came around. That was her thing. Nancy lost her father at the age of 10, and Myrtle took on the responsibilities of the cleaning shop. The Lord’s hand was upon the family as the entire Springtown community filled the void in Nancy’s life. Her smiles and good nature lifted everyone’s spirits and impacted everyone around. She attended elementary, junior high, and high school in Springtown. She excelled in many activities in church/school and was voted by her peers as the most kindhearted, courteous, prettiest, and most likely to succeed. She was particularly good at ensuring everyone was part of the group. If someone was down for not being liked, she was the first to reach out, offer support, and pull them back in to participate in enjoying all of life’s opportunities. Nancy had her eye on Bobby “Don” Holden (one year ahead), who grew up a few blocks down the street; Don was an athlete. During basketball season, Nancy volunteered to keep the books at every game and every sporting event throughout all four years of high school to ensure she could keep an eye on Don. It worked as she had planned; she became his high school sweetheart. Nancy married Don on September 30, 1961. They lived in Springtown while he finished his bachelor’s and master’s degree in physical education. After Don secured a position with the Dallas Independent School District, they moved to Carrollton and then to far North Dallas and stayed in the house they built for 48 years. Don and Nancy had three boys, Bobby, Billy, and Brad during this time. The Lord gave Nancy an unbelievable talent for cooking. Even during lean years, she would find and put together some of the most delicious meals ever. Not a single person went without enough food when Nancy was in charge, and that was almost all the time. In her later years, her specialties were poppy seed chicken and macaroni and cheese. No matter what was brought to family gatherings, those two offerings were always the first to go. If you didn’t get there early, you didn’t get any. Her candies were heavenly. Christmas was a treat that included chocolate-covered peanuts, divinity, and even a few special candies that we still don’t know their names. Nancy was a natural in raising her boys. Her focus was on providing for their needs, wishes, and desires while at the same time cultivating and encouraging their spiritual souls. Her boys were the light of her life, and she spent every day training them to be men and fathers in a challenging world. She had a specific mannerism that worked well to keep her boys focused on the light and being great examples to others. Whether it be her subtle innuendos, surreptitious smiles, or a living example, her boys became an extension of the positivity and leadership exhibited by Nancy and Don. But it wasn’t just her boys who received these blessings; everyone around her benefited from her generosity, leadership, happiness, and presence. She had an impact on multiple children and their parents throughout her life. She was a sports manager for many teams, a volunteer, and a teacher. She served as the Director of the Pitman Creek Church of Christ preschool for many years, helping to form the lives and minds of the children who passed through those doors. She subsequently worked as the front desk receptionist at schools within the Plano Independent School District, spending most of her time at Robinson Middle School. She brought smiles and laughter to the kids who entered those doors. She was the first point of contact for the parents and always found the right solutions to their requests. She won multiple recognitions and accolades for her ability to provide service and comfort to everyone, although that was just Nancy’s personality and way of life. When her boys had kids, Nancy transitioned to Nana overnight. She exhibited the same love and desire with each of the many grandkids. She was instrumental in shaping their lives while spoiling them with every conceivable toy and candy imaginable. Her grandkids loved her tremendously. Nancy shaped their lives and personalities into the handsome men and women they are today. Without Nana, they would be different. Nancy is preceded in death by her husband, Don. They were married for a total of 62 years. She is survived by her three sons (Bobby, Billy, and Brad), her three daughters-in-law (Denise, Amy, and Missy), seven grandchildren (Chris, Kyle, Josh, Callie, Kelsey, Carson, Jake, and Jax), three granddaughters-in-law (Carlee, Rachel, and Keila) and four great-grandchildren (Ellis, Avery, Kyler, and Carter). This family was the light of Nancy’s life.