Patricia Terry Holland

Patricia Terry Holland, wife of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2023. She was surrounded in love by her husband and children at the time of her passing.

She was born to Maeser and Marilla Terry on February 16, 1942 and was raised in Enterprise, Utah. Her childhood years were shaped by the rich pioneer values of her forbearers who settled the area, and by the fun and industry of helping at the family store and on the family farm.  By the third grade it was clear she had unusual musical talent, playing the piano—by ear—for school musical activities.

During her freshman year of high school, she moved with her family to St. George, ostensibly to accommodate her father’s growing business.  In reality, the greater purpose of that move was that she met Jeff Holland, a bright, handsome, dimpled, and overly-confident sophomore athlete.  He and the rest of the school were immediately smitten by her kindness, talent, beauty and spirituality. Eventually the two started dating and a love affair began that has never stopped.

During these high school years, she served as a class officer, led the cheer team, was honored multiple times by her classmates for her charm and talents, starred in and played the piano for a number of school musicals.  After waiting for her sweetheart to serve a mission in England, she let him know that it was his turn to wait for her as she took a year to train with Julliard instructors in voice and piano in New York, where she also served as a stake missionary.

On June 7, 1963, Patricia and Jeffrey were married in the St. George Utah Temple where three generations of her maternal ancestors had also been sealed. 

All her life she said her greatest joys were found in being a mother to her three children, Matthew, Mary Alice, and David.  She joyfully devoted herself to building their faith, taking care of their needs, supporting their education, cheering on their athletics, training them in music, and creating a home where every friend in the neighborhood wanted to come and never leave.

She was educated at Dixie College (Utah Technical University), LDS Business College (Ensign College), and Brigham Young University.  Each of these institutions later honored her for her meritorious accomplishments in life.

She will long be remembered for her loving and articulate service as the First Lady of Brigham Young University from 1980-1989, and as a First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency from 1984-1986, having a tremendous influence on the development of the Young Women Values. 

She authored several books.  “A Quiet Heart” earned multiple honors, including the Association for Mormon Letters award for devotional literature. For the last 34 years, she has joined with her husband in his role as a General Authority and Apostle, teaching and testifying of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His Church. Her numerous devotional addresses, firesides, and Church talks have inspired, edified, and comforted saints all around the world. 

The abundant joy of raising her children was greatly magnified by the arrival of thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 

She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey, her children Matthew (Paige), Mary Alice (Lee), and David (Jeanne), and siblings Reginald (Linda), Fenton (Ilona), David (Linda), Steven (Marie), and Sherene (David). Her parents, Maeser and Marilla, and brother Joe (Leann), preceded her in death.

Funeral services are open to the public and will be held Friday, July 28, 2023 at 11 a.m. in the Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake City.  There will not be a public viewing.  Interment will be in St. George, Utah the following day.  Funeral services are under the direction of Russon Mortuary & Crematory.

Funeral services will be live streamed at:  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/broadcasts/funeral-service-for-sister-patricia-t-holland?lang=eng