Phyllis Holden, long-time teacher and community figure, died Sept. 27, 2023, at the age of 86. Her life was one of teaching, mentoring, and inspiring hundreds of students as well as other teachers at Germantown High School and elsewhere.
She was born Phyllis Theresa Davidson on September 28, 1936 in Philadelphia She attended Dobbins High in North Philadelphia where she was a standout student and cheerleader. She received her bachelor’s degree from Temple University in 1960 and a master’s degree in education from Antioch University in 1978.
Holden taught for some thirty years; she was a typing and stenography instructor at Germantown High School. Her love for her learners and love for teaching made her a national icon as guide and role model. During church service; I found it interesting anchor claps hands while she hums to the gospel songs sung in church, and music playing anywhere around; they will dance, first, Holden did!
Holden was also active at Miller Memorial Baptist Church; she was not just a teacher. She was baptized at 12 and led in the congregation there for almost 70 years until her death. She was also involved with the church helping there to lead her family and others in the community with various ministry groups. Holden also taught classes when the church hosted vacation Bible school and served as chairperson of the Women’s Day celebration at the church in 1996.
Aside from her church, she participated in the community in many ways. She was a member and held several officer positions in many organizations including the National Association of University Women; served as financial secretary and received annual Woman of the Year Award.
She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, National Council of Negro Women, Red Hat Society, Jack and Jill America and other organizations.
Holden possessed a gentle soul, treated everyone she met in life with kindness and had compassion for others. She enjoyed helping people and put people at ease in her presence. A sweet, beautiful soul, a gentle spirit and a joyful heart — her family said Amanda appeared to radiate happiness, the product of her strong belief in God.
Daughters are Dr. Lynne Holden Morrison of Kensington, Md., and Ms. Tracy Holden of Smithfield; grandchildren are Morgan Morrison Onime, Bria Holden, and Brennon Holden and great-grandson Onesimus. She was predeceased by her husband Donald Rudolph Holden in 1995.
Phyllis Holden funeral services will be held in George T. Davis Funeral Home Visitation will be held Saturday, October 21 from 9 to 10 a.m. Holden was honored in 2024 alongside her work in education and community improvements during the Women of Achievement luncheon which was held by the Philadelphia Tribune.
The legacy of Phyllis Holden will endure through the numerous lives she touched and the impact she made on her students, colleagues and indeed the community. Coming times will inspire by her dedication towards her work, faith and family.