Celebration of Life Service for Kendra
Saint James United Methodist Church Sunday, February 2, 2025
Prelude
I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me Runner by Twila Paris
Processional
Gathering & Words of Grace
Opening Prayer
Congregational Hymn
The Lord’s Prayer
Scripture Readings
Congregational Praise
Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 23
2 Timothy 4: 6-8
Rev. Tony Fotsch
Rev. Tony Fotsch
Amazing Grace
Bryce Quilleon
Troy Dunmire
Stacey Kostas
Ashley Simmens
This is the Day/Soon & Very Soon JOYS Choir
Naming & Witness to the Life of Kendra Holden
Rev. Zach Grant
Brody Quilleon
Dr Scott Paton
Ted Leonsis
Jennifer Espinola
Blake Quilleon
David Quilleon
Words of Faith, Hope & Remembrance
Memorial Presentation
Commendation of Kendra to the Lord
Congregational Hymn
Kendra’s Gift
Kendra’s Prayer
Benediction & Blessing
Postlude
Rev. Tony Fotsch
Musical Medley
Rev Tony Fotsch
Little Light of Mine JOYS Choir
Debbie Quilleon
Tricia Smith-Jervis
Rev. Zach Grant
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
God called our sweet Kendra home, and she leaves a legacy of love, broad and deep, in the hearts of all who have known her. Always smiling, sometimes with a glint of mischief. Curious, to say the least, she loved getting stories out of people. And somehow her inquisition was welcome because it was clear instantly, to everyone, that Kendra cared. A lot. She was joyful, loving, charming to everyone she met, and steadfast in her faith as a member of Saint James United Methodist Church in Tampa.
Kendra was fun – always up for an outing. Lunch dates, movies, bowling, church events, shopping . . . one day she was getting fast food with a friend, and the next she was attending a Gala, or sitting in box seats at a professional hockey game. She had a busier social calendar than all of us combined! She loved to be with her people And if she wasn’t hanging out, she was on the phone checking in on folks or sending holiday cards Kendra had the scoop on all of us She knew everyone’s birthdays She knew if you were taking a trip or going to see the doctor She knew if you had a big event coming up, or if you were interviewing for a job And she would call to wish you luck or to see how things went How did she do it? How could she keep track? It was because Kendra cared Sincerely About everyone So, she let you know she was there and thinking about you. Those seemingly small gestures sent a ripple of love and support out into the world that we’ll all be hanging on to. Kendra epitomized friendship – true, loyal, loving friendship.
Kendra loved God, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, Vera Bradley Bags, Sonny’s BBQ, Olive Garden, outlet malls, Christmas movies, Cracker Barrel, unicorns, butterflies, Coke Zero, and colorful bands for her Apple Watch. She loved learning new technology and was quick to stay up to date on WWE, Hallmark Channel, sports, and social events. It didn’t take long for any person to figure out her favorite color was purple! Her brother, Ken, helped make her a fan of sports teams including the USF Bulls, Tampa Bay Bucs, Tampa Bay Rays, Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Washington Capitals
Born in Beaumont, Texas, Kendra grew up in Coral Springs, Florida where she went to school and made many friends She always worked to be included and was a trailblazer for a program in her high school that matched students in one-to-one friendships with her peers with disabilities even being featured on NBC Nightly News. The family moved to Tampa in 1990, which became home for Kendra. She worked as a teaching assistant at Hunter’s Green Elementary supporting children with disabilities. (read more about Kendra on the back page)
She became deeply involved in Best Buddies, an organization that creates opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Her little brother, David, became a leader with Best Buddies (currently serving as Senior Vice President for the international organization), and she was active as a participant which connected her with many dear friends throughout her lifetime. She also supported Best Buddies’ mission by speaking at events, volunteering on committees, serving as a Global Ambassador, and successfully raising significant funding for the organization over many decades. Kendra’s involvement advanced Best Buddies’ vision for inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities She made a real and lasting difference
Kendra’s advocacy efforts led her to speak to Presidents and First Ladies, city council members, Governors, celebrities, soap stars, Pageant Title-holders, and business leaders with her favorite being meeting and hanging out with Maureen McCormick, aka Marcia Brady.
Kendra leaves behind a large family to continue her legacy of love and light including her dearest mother, Bobbie Jean Quilleon, her siblings, David (Debbie), Teri (Chris), and Curt (Robin), and nephews, Blake, Brody, and Bryce and nieces, Molly (Josiah) and Olivia (James). Kendra was pre-deceased by her father, Kenneth Webster Holden; stepfather, John Vernon Quilleon; and her dear brother, Ken She was rich in love and support at home with many friends and loved ones always around. She would say they were all blessed to have each other.
Mostly, our one-in-a-trillion Kendra lived a beautiful life, surrounded by family and friends who adored her. Our hearts ache with the loss, but we also know she will be watching over us in her special way. We will honor her by sharing the joy, kindness, smiles, laughter, and love that she exuded every day of her life
Kendra will be buried near her stepfather, John V. Quilleon, and her brother, Ken Holden, at the National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL Monday, February 3, 2025
Consider honoring Kendra with a donation to Best Buddies International www.bestbuddies.org/kendra (That would really make her smile:)