Verl Steven Holder

Verl Steven Holder was a very kind and generous man. He was born in Columbus, Ohio (no wonder he was such a Buckeye’s fan) on December 28, 1955 and transitioned on March 25, 2023. He is preceded in death by his parents: Barbara L. (formerly Holder) Wilson and Verl Holder, Loving Wife Vanessa Miller Holder, Daughter Stephanie Miller Holder, brother Lawrence Michael Holder, and sister Jennifer L. Wilson.

Steve or Stevie as many would call him was a very gifted multi-talented man. He played various instruments including base guitar, drums, harmonica and piano. His love for music led to him creating his own studio in his multi-use basement.

He loved working with his hands and he was not afraid to get them dirty. He held positions as an independent contractor in bricklaying, construction and landscaping. He also worked as a painter on many major projects throughout the city of Columbus and in other nearby states.

Something that he loved and was rather superb at was gardening. He had a very large garden that included various vegetables and even a couple rows of grapevines. His knowledge of plants and gardening was extensive, and he was meticulous about it as well. Stevie’s expansive palette for food made him a great cook, a lot of which he learned from his late mother Barbara Wilson. He also credited his Mother for his love of antiques. His collection was so beautiful it had a well-deserved room in the basement. However, the collection was large enough that even with an antique room, pieces graced the first floor of his home as well.

Being the third of nine children it was no surprise that he was a family man. When other family units would breakdown, he was always there to welcome them with open arms. He welcomed other children and even adults into his home who were in need; this included family, friends and neighbors alike. He did not want you out in the cold; stray cats and dogs included. He often gave money and food from his own garden to anyone who was in need.

The great memories will stay with us forever. A father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. He touched many lives and will be missed very much.

He leaves behind memories that will forever be cherished by his four children: Jamaica Newbern, Lawanta Miller, Verl S Holder, Jr., and Jennifer Miller. Brothers and sisters: Markus J. (Glenda) Holder, Sharon L. (David) Lane, Jeffery L. (Linda) Wilson, Alicia A. (Jesse) Ware, Earnest J. (Maria) Wilson III, and Christopher A. Wilson, as well as four grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation 11:00 PM and Funeral Service 12:00 PM Monday, April 3, 2023 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd).

Interment Evergreen Cemetery.