CROTHERSVILLE
Brenda M. Holzworth, 78, of Crothersville, IN, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 3:53 PM. Brenda was born on December 22, 1945, in Shoals, IN, to Carl Franklin and Bessie Mae (Gilbert) Sanders.
Brenda was a dedicated educator and nurturer throughout her life. She began her teaching career at an orphanage in Homer, Alaska, from 1966 until 1967. She then devoted 34 years to shaping young minds at Crothersville Elementary School before retiring. Brenda’s commitment to education and her students was unwavering, earning her the admiration and respect of many. On June 3, 1972, Brenda married the love of her life, John Holzworth, at the Crothersville Christian Church. They shared many wonderful years together until his passing. Brenda was a widow at the time of her death but carried the memories of their life together close to her heart. Brenda was an active and beloved member of her community. She was involved in numerous organizations, including, Ladies Tea Club, Crothersville Town Council, and the Crothersville Senior Citizens Club. She was a dedicated volunteer at the Crothersville School and Hamacher Hall and a long-time member of the Crothersville Christian Church until it closed in 2023.
Brenda also ran her own store in Crothersville, Aunt Samantha’s, and was a key member of the Crothersville Historical and Cultural Arts Association, Happy Apronettes Home-Ec Club, Crothersville Town Players, Crothersville Lions Club, Jackson County Friends of the Library, Crothersville Area Revitalization and Development (CARD), and the Crothersville Sesquicentennial Committee. A lifelong learner, Brenda graduated from Shoals High School in 1962 at the age of 16. She went on to earn a degree from Lincoln Bible College in 1966 and a BA in Elementary School Education from Indiana State. Brenda furthered her education with a master’s degree from Indiana University Southeast. In her leisure time, Brenda loved playing Scrabble, collecting antiques, and reading. She had a particular fondness for Charlie Brown Peanuts, studying her Bible, collecting owls, and delving into Native American history.
Survivors include her two sons Jason Frederick Holzworth of Louisville, KY, John Eric Holzworth of Old Hickory, Tennessee, siblings Jane Payne of Shoals, IN, Tony (Patti) Sanders of Montgomery, IN, Tim Sanders of Shoals, IN, Julinda (Brian) Adams of Burn City, IN, and 1 brother-in-law Cliff Warren of Loogootee, IN. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Holzworth, parents Carl Franklin & Bessy Mae (Gilbert) Sanders, siblings Jeff Sanders and Susan Warren.
Funeral will be conducted by Pastor Dave Schill on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Adams Family Funeral Homes & Crematory in Crothersville, IN. Friends and family may visit on the same day, from 11:00 AM until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the family to set up a Scholarship Foundation in honor of Brenda if you wish to donate you can donate at The People’s Bank in Crothersville, IN, or you can mail your donations to Jason Holzworth at 310 North Armstrong Street, Crothersville, IN 47229. Please visit AdamsFuneralHomeOnline.com to leave an online condolence to the family. Brenda M. Holzworth leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service to others. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.