Claudette Holden

SPRINGFIELD - Pearl Claudette Holden, 67, formerly of Sikeston, died Jan. 31, 2005, at the St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

Born June 24, 1937, daughter of the late James and Velma Mays Davenport, she had lived in Springfield since 1977 and worked for Terra Cotta Creations until her retirement. She was queen mother of the Red Hat Society of the Springfield Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

On Oct. 5, 1952, in Arkansas, she married Paul Holden, who preceded her in death.

Survivors include; one son, Clark Holden of Springfield; four daughters, Paula Humphries of Nixa, Paulette Holden and Velma McCann of St. Charles and Connie Jones of Memphis, Tenn.; three sisters, Sue Davis of Alma, Ill., Fern Moss of Cape Girardeau and Emily Davenport of Springfield; and 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by one son, Scott Holden.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston where services will be at 2 p.m. Friday. The Rev. Marvin Butrum, retired Baptist minister, will officiate.

Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery at Sikeston.