Larna Faye Peels Holcomb

(June 21, 2009)

Lanra Faye Peels Holcomb of Madisonville, passed away at 7 p.m., on Father's Day, Sunday, June 21, at her home, after contending with many years of health issues. She was a wonderful mother, wife, sister, grandmother and friend. Her life began with difficulty as her father died in an automobile accident, before she was born (it seemed appropriate that she would see her father for the first time on Father's Day). However, God placed within her life a devoted stepfather who loved her dearly (Bob Harris). Her first marriage ended in divorce at which time she poured her life into raising her two sons as a single parent with very little resources (how extremely hard she worked to make ends meet). However, God placed within her life an amazing brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Laverta, who were always there to help her through, along with a strong mother who was forever by her side, Hattie Lenderman Peels Harris. Without them, I'm sure her life would have been unbearable. Later in years, God brought another special person into her life and she found new love in Steve Holcomb. After 28 years of marriage, he was faithful to be by her side until the end. I thank God for His faithfulness to watch over and protect and provide for His children, even when life is difficult. He is still faithful and now she knows no sickness and her body feels no pain.

She was 69.

Preceded in death by: parents, Luther and Hattie Peels Harris; stepfather, Bob Harris; and step-grandson-Jesse Couch.

Survivors include: husband-Steve Holcomb;

Sons-Richard Watkins and wife Darlene of Madisonville; and Roger Watkins and wife, Debbie of Cleveland;

Grandchildren-Andrew, Becky, Codey, Corey, Caleb and Christian;

Stepchildren-Greg Holcomb and fiance, Renee, Teresa Couch and husband, Jeff, Brian Holcomb and wife, Cyndi and Terra Engle;

Step-grandchildren-Josh Couch and wife, Miranda, Laci Holcomb, Sabrina, Jonathan and Coey Belcher;

Brothers-Wayne Peels and wife, Laverta of Madisonville; and John "J.L." Peels and wife, Anna Mai of Shelbyville;

Several nieces and nephews;

Father of her children-J.R. Watkins of Madisonville.

Funeral services will be 8 p.m., Tuesday, in Biereley-Hale Chapel, with the Rev. Vernon Webb and Rev. James D. Harris officiating. Interment will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, in Coker Creek Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., before the funeral. Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville, in charge of arrangements.