Rev. Vonda Joyce Holtzclaw, 88, entered the arms of her Savior early Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2022, in Willow Springs, Missouri. Her transition to Glory marked the close of a 67-year chapter of ministry here on earth with her husband, Rev. Melvin Roy Holtzclaw. While her health and her memory failed her in recent months, she never missed an opportunity to pray and sing hymns with her children and grandchildren. She was born March 30, 1933, in Enfield, Illinois, daughter of Horace Wilford and Mary Eliza (Johnson) Baker. Her family moved to Evansville, Indiana, and later to St. Louis, Missouri. She met her first true love while on a double-date with friends, and after months of love letters and train trips from White County to St. Louis, she and Roy were married Feb. 26, 1950. She saved those hand-written letters of young love, which are now treasured by her children. Her second true love was her children. And then, her greatest love, Jesus, called her and her husband into a life of ministry. T
April 15, 2021
93-year-old Rev. Melvin Roy Holtzclaw, entered the arms of the Author of his faith early Tuesday, April 13, at the home of his daughter in Willow Springs, Missouri.
His victory capped a 67-year chapter of his ministry here on earth. While his failing health in recent months challenged his body, his faith and humor were strong, and his spirit rose to the occasion as he received many phone calls and visits from loving family members and brothers and sisters in Christ from across the country.
His ministry partner and love of his life, Vonda Joyce, was at his side, loving and praying and in those final weeks, singing along with him the words of his mother’s favorite song, “Let Me Walk With You, Jesus” and “Just A Closer Walk With Thee.”