Gwynda Elizabeth Holemon, born January 12, 1964 in Owensboro, Kentucky passed from this life to her new life in heaven on January 16, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona after a courageous battle against cancer. Gwynda is survived by her mother, Carol Duffey Holemon, of Phoenix, Arizona. She is also survived by her brother, Dr. Lance Holemon, and his wife, Roslyn, of Scottsdale, Arizona; her sister Lee Holemon Sumner and her husband, Richard Sumner, of Phoenix, Arizona; and her brother Forrest Holemon and his wife, Lydia, of Tempe, Arizona. Gwynda is also survived by seven nephews and nieces and their spouses, and 14 great nieces and nephews. She has two surviving aunts and several cousins residing in Birmingham, Alabama. Gwynda was preceded in death by her father, Claude Hugh Holemon, and brother, Leslie Scott Holemon. Gwynda graduated from Groves High School in Birmingham, Michigan in 1982. She went on to attend Arizona State University where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Education, as well as a Masters of Arts Degree in Education. She did her student teaching at Navajo Elementary in Scottsdale, Arizona where she continued teaching fourth grade from 1987-2006. In 2006 she joined the Sequoya Elementary team, also primarily teaching fourth grade until September 2017. Gwynda was a highly popular and sought after educator, not only known for her excellent teaching skills, but also for her love and compassion for her "kids." Her other many accomplishments include Scottsdale Charro Educator of the Year at Navajo Elementary in 2006. Gwynda also had a singing talent and was a member of the Scottsdale Sweet Adelines from 1992-1997, traveling many places around the United States with this award-winning women's four-part harmony chorus. Gwynda had a marvelous sense of humor, always able to see the funny side of life and communicate it in such a way that people could not help but to laugh with her. Her generous heart and giving spirit characterized her way of life. Her love for her family was deep, always making each one feel loved and special. She also loved her furry family of dogs. Gwynda was especially fond of Labrador Retrievers, having owned and cared for seven over the course of her adult life. Her friends and her students were equally precious and cherished by her. She will be greatly missed by all. Gwynda shared this devotional reading from Dr. David Jeremiah's devotional book shortly before leaving us: "The Lamb is the light. We will live constantly in the light of heaven. Depression and discouragement that accompany darkness will be found nowhere in heaven." Gwynda was encouraged by this amazing promise and is now living in His beautiful Light. A celebration of life service for Gwynda Holemon is planned for February 14, 2018, 2:00 p.m. at Scottsdale Bible Church Chapel, 7601 E. Shea Blvd Scottsdale, Arizona 85260. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in memory of Gwynda Holemon are appreciated for:
Pregnancy Resource Center
21050 North Tatum Boulevard, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85050
Arizona Humane Society
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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June 14, 2018
Jake DeFusco
I am a former student of Ms. Holemon. Before I had her as my teacher, I was bored with Social Studies until I had her as my teacher. She didn't only bring out the best on us, but also the best in ourselves. Two of my other former 4th grade teachers, from 2 years ago, Bonnie Miller and Karen Pescatore were her very dear friends. We cannot replace the love that Gwynda placed on this earth, but we can cherish the sweet and unforgettable memories that we all had with her. Shoutout to Mrs. Pescatore and Mrs. Miller. Hope you read this.
From, Jake DeFusco.
January 25, 2018
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Gwynda. I met her through the Scottsdale Chorus and will never forget her wonderful laugh and beautiful smile. She was a blessing to everyone she met. Her family was so important to her and she shared many wonderful times that she had with them. Rest in Peace Gwynda. You will be missed by everyone.
January 25, 2018
Bonnie Miller
Gwynda and I shared so many giggles, belly laughs, and lifelong memories. Our favorite place was sitting on the sand listening to the ocean. We even put a bucket of sand under our desks one year, just to feel the sand on our toes throughout the school year. I miss you so much but I take comfort to know you are dancing with the angels, my dear friend!
January 23, 2018
Hailey Skowronski
Ms. Holemon was an amazing teacher to not only me but the rest of her students as well. She will be missed dearly by everyone at sequoya and her past students. She was such a bright spirit and an inspiration to everyone. Each day I was blessed with her amazing attitude and beautiful smile. Thank you Ms. Holemon for making my fourth grade year special.
January 22, 2018
Gwynda sang with me in the Scottsdale Chorus as well as in our quartet, Season Ticket. I'll never ever forget her big warm smile when meeting her that very first time -- she smiled at people with her whole heart. Over the years we sang together, ours was a wonderful friendship filled with our shared love of music. There was always laughter wherever Gwynda was, her sense of humor was amazing and her big spirit such a magnet to others.
Rest in peace, my friend, and as the song goes, "may the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back....".
Bring the music to the angels, Gwynda.
Becky Larson
Gwynda's baritone, Season Ticket quartet
Scottsdale Chorus, World Champions
January 21, 2018
Student
Endrias A
Ms. Holemon was a great history teacher. She was very positive and had a bright smile on her face. She always encouraged me to do my best. Ms. Holemon will forever be remembered as an amazing teacher and I appreciate what she did for me and many
others.
January 18, 2018
Jake DeFusco
Ms. Holemon was my favorite teacher. She taught me many things, such as to always see the positive side of things. She was very kind and caring. Ms. Holemon did not only teach me important lessons in history, but also in everyday life.
January 18, 2018
Forrest Holemon
Thank you Mallory for your note. Gwynda loved teaching particularly that age group. I wanted to let everyone know that a Celebration of Life memorial service for Gwynda is in the planning stage but will be an opportunity for friends, teachers, and former students to get together and remember her. We think this will be sometime around February 14th. Thank you again for everyone's kind words and condolences. Gwynda was a very special person to so many people.
January 17, 2018
Mallory Gibson
Ms. Holemon was one of my favorite teachers at Sequoya Elementary. It has been about 11 years since I stepped foot in her classroom on my first day of fourth grade, but the growth I experienced because she was my teacher is something I will never forget. She greeted every student with a smile and a warm hug, and was patient and kind and inspiring. She left a lasting impact on me and countless other students, and she will be dearly missed.
-Mallory Gibson, 4th Grade Class of 2007
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