Caroline Shell Holder

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Caroline Shell Holder.

Caroline’s battle with Alzheimer’s ended on May 4, 2025, at the age of 68 in Jacksonville, Florida. She fought this devastating disease with courage, grace, and beauty.

Born to Walter and Patricia Shell in Houston, Texas, October 16, 1956, the small town of West Columbia was her home for 17 years. Her intelligence and leadership skills were nurtured as Caroline participated in Student Council, Yearbook, and Cheerleading. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Houston, Texas, in 1975 and attended Southwestern University, earning a BBA in Business and Economics. In 1984 Caroline took a huge leap and attended South Texas College of Law Houston, graduating in 1988 with her J.D. specializing in Employment, Labor, and Procedure. Her family was so proud of her as she attended law school and earned her degree while working a full-time job at Shell Oil Company. Caroline loved her career. As a Human Resources Generalist with expertise in Labor Relations, she worked for Shell, Anheuser-Busch, Delaware North Parks and Resorts at Kennedy Space Center, and Dynegy, Inc. She was a mentor to many. In her spare time, which was a rare event, Caroline enjoyed scuba diving, attending the opera, reading, and entertaining.

In 1999, Caroline met the love of her life, William (Bill) Holder, and they were married July 6, 2002. Caroline and Bill built a wonderful life together in Florida, first in Jacksonville and then in Rockledge. They loved their little dog, Millie, who was with them for 17 years. In 2006, they moved to Humble, Texas, for Caroline’s job at Dynegy where she was employed for 10 years.

In 2015, Caroline and Bill began a sad and difficult journey when she was diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s. Bill became her loving and constant caregiver until her death. His love for Caroline in the way he cared for her was evident every single day. The family’s appreciation for Bill and the care he gave Caroline cannot be over-stated – it is immeasurable.

Caroline was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Patricia Shell, and her brother, Dr. Stephen R. Shell. She is survived by her beloved family: husband, William Holder; brother, Andrew Shell and wife Debi; sister, Clara Shell Lynch and husband Sam; sister, Catherine Shell Hague and husband Alan; and sister-in-law, Pamela Shell-Polerstock and husband Robert. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews who loved and admired her.

She will be missed by all who know her and love her. If you desire, donations can be made in Caroline’s name to your local hospice organization or for Alzheimer’s research.

May you rest in peace, sweet Caroline.