Barbara Jean Holderfield

Barbara Jean Gachot Holderfield, was born to Joseph and Edna Gachot, in Little Rock, Arkansas on September 5, 1933. Her parents were farmers in Fouche Dam, Arkansas on land that is now the Little Rock International Airport.

In Barbara's own words from a testimony letter to her children: The year 1951 was a very memorable year for me. In May I graduated from Little Rock High School, became employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, in August I met Paul Phillip Holderfield, in September I celebrated my 18th birthday, in October I married Paul, and in November I became pregnant with Paul Jr.

Paul told me that he wanted children. A boy named Paul and a girl named Paula. That sounded good but I expected this to be a few years later. Instead, it was 10 months later that Paul Jr. was born and then another 10 months later Paula was born. Thankfully it was another four years before Phillip was born.

Paul immediately became a hands-on dad, changing diapers, taking turns getting up for bottles, bathing, etc. I always told him that he was a better mom than I was. In self-defense Paul became a great cook and homemaker since I had never cooked a meal nor done any housework. Sadly, my mom had done it all.

Paul was extremely jealous and when he was drinking it was worse. He would tell me he was afraid I would leave him. Then he would say, “If you leave me you are not going to take the kids.” I would jokingly tell him, “Don’t worry, if I ever leave you, I’m leaving the kids.”

I had never threatened to leave. In my Catholic upbringing divorce was unthinkable.

Paul was never satisfied with himself because he had a deep desire to be a Christian. I didn’t understand this, I thought he was great just like he was. I believe the love we had for each other, our children, and our families made our lives complete.

When Paul’s saintly mother became critically ill and had to be hospitalized for a lengthy time, he spent many hours caring for her knowing all his life she had prayed for him and her greatest desire was that he children would become Christians. One day at the hospital he told the Lord, “If you will let my mother live until Sunday, she will know that one of her children is a Christian.” Of course, Jesus knew his heart and he became a Christian then be he felt the need to go to the altar at her church. When he told me and our children that we were going to church we were surprised but we followed him without question. When he went to the altar, again we followed. We were just supporting him not knowing we too needed Jesus. For selfish reasons I liked the idea of no drinking and no jealousy but, I was concerned about him being different maybe a “fanatic.” He was very patient with me. He never asked that I stop smoking. Our pastor and wife, Eudell and Barbara Stroud, were so supportive and I really enjoyed their fellowship.

During church services I would cry and did not know why. I was frightened because my life was changing, and I felt as if I was betraying my parents. But on Sunday morning I yielded and made my way to the altar and invited Jesus to be the Lord of my life, That began the greatest joy, peace, and love journey of my life. I began to realize that by putting Jesus first, then my husband and children, this became the purest love I have ever experienced or given. We were blessed that later our children also chose to follow Jesus. I have always followed Paul willingly but unknown to him at the time, when we stepped out to obey God’s call to service – I shed many tears over the loss of fellowship and fears of what lay ahead. I would have shed more tears had I known God was going to call Paul to Pastor. Neither of us had ever considered this possibility.

My “unlearned husband” became a giant in the wisdom he received from God. He always put Jesus first, me next, our children, then others. He truly lost himself for others. Yet he was the most contented, joy filled man this world has ever known.

What a privilege and honor to be his wife of 46 years and the mother of his children, I yearn for the day we will be reunited in heaven.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, siblings; Joseph Gachot, Carl Gachot, Dorothy Gachot, Leo Gachot, Bernice Ahart, and Raymond Gachot. Great grandchild John Paul Camp. Her husband, Paul Phillip Holderfield, Sr.

Barbara is survived by her children; Paul (Cathy) Holderfield, Jr., Paula (Tom) Owens, Phillip (Donna) Holderfield. Grandchildren; Patty (Mark) Camp, Courtney (Chauncey) Bland of Memphis, TN, Krystin (Lawrence) Cheatham, Paul (Courtney) Holderfield, III, Rae (Jeremy) Newlin of Waldron, AR, Michelle (Justin) Camp, Phillip (Natalie) Holderfield, Jr. Great-grandchildren: Laren Camp, Collin Bland, Emma and Parker Cheatham, Eli, Bryce, and Tyler Paul Holderfield. Corbin and Aubrey Camp. JJ, Shiloh, Eliana, Jace, and Bryann Newlin. Hannah, Hadley, and Harper Holderfield. Her sole surviving sibling; Carolyn (Jack) Wells of Hot Springs Village, AR. As well as nieces, nephews, a loving church family (that truly is family and all call her momma or meme), friends near and far. A special thank you to caregiver Lutricia Bruton,  and to Annie Vanessa McGuire who gave up a career in order to care for Barbara and her family.

Barbara’s career began at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company where she retired in 1983. Barbara then served her church; Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene as a Sunday school teacher, Thrift Store Manager, Ladies Ministry Director, Bible Study Coordinator, and anything else that was needed. Barbara had sound wisdom and was a natural advisor, confidant, and friend.

A Visitation will be held at Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene, 116. S. Pine St., North Little Rock, AR 72114, Tuesday, August 19th from 10 until 11 a.m. Funeral service to follow beginning at 11 a.m. Interment at Riverwood Memorial Gardens, 301 Carnahan Dr., Maumelle, AR 72113 - 30 minutes following the close of the funeral.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.