Sarah Claire Holder

Sarah Claire Holder, age 21, graduated into heaven on March 18, 2023, peacefully, with her family by her side.  She was greeted by dear family, friends, and a host of St. Jude siblings.

Sarah Claire was born on December 4, 2001, to Monica Hays Payne and Roger Holder.  Her early years were spent at St. Jude, Flowers ‘n Things, Grandma’s house, brothers’ and cousins’ ballgames, scout campouts, church functions, and any other activity the rest of the family might be involved in.  She had a sweet disposition, a loving personality, and was always enjoyed by all.

In 2016, Sarah Claire moved to Louisiana Special Education Center and found new family, friends and caregivers to love and that loved her so well.  She always loved music and would often sing along, especially at church.  Sarah Claire’s exceptional life was a true example of strength, courage, patience, and the purest form of love.  She inspired people to draw closer to each other and to our Savior.

Sarah Claire was preceded in death by maternal grandfather, O.J. Hays, and paternal grandparents, Leroy and Dorothy Holder.

She is survived by her parents Monica (Scott) Payne and Roger Holder, her “Mimi” Sharyn Hays, two brothers, Hays Holder and Tucker Holder, one niece, Amelia Holder, a host of aunts, uncles and cousins, a wonderful church family, and a terrific “family” at LSEC who all loved her dearly.

Pallbearers will be Hays Holder, Tucker Holder, Jackson Hays, Tanner Hays, Reese Aycock, Colton Brett Little and Brian Lloyd.  Honorary pallbearers will be Brett Burrell and Josh Holder.

There are countless special caregivers spanning most of Sarah Claire’s life that the family will never be able to thank enough.  Donations in her honor can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS.  A second visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Morrison Chapel Baptist Church in Cleveland, MS with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be at North Cleveland Cemetery.