Kendra Kay Holden

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. The stories and tributes are pouring in, and we have unanimous consent - Kendra was joy personified! 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! And her brother, Ken, helped make her a fan of sports teams including the USF Bulls, Tampa Bay Bucs, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards as her dear friend, Ted Leonsis was the owner. 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 really became home for Kendra. She worked as a teaching assistant at Hunters Green Elementary supporting children with disabilities. 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 for inclusion led her to speak at conferences around the United States to Presidents and First Ladies, city council members, Governors, celebrities, soap stars, Pageant Titleholders, 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. 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 brother, Ken Holden, at the National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL on Monday, February 3, 2025. Consider honoring Kendra with a donation to Best Buddies International at https://www.bestbuddies.org/kendra. That would really make her smile.