Obituaries
Serayah N. Holdren, 25
February 01, 2022
Serayah N. Holdren, 25, of Norfolk, VA formerly of Lancaster, PA.
On June 4, 1996, Serayah Nicole Holdren blessed our family with her entrance into this world. She was born in Lebanon, PA at Good Samaritan Hospital, Hyman S. Kaplan Pavilion.
Serayah was educated in the Susquehanna Township SD in Harrisburg, PA and graduated from Lancaster Country Day School in Lancaster, PA in 2014. She graduated from University of Pittsburgh in 2018 with a Bachelors in Natural Science.
Serayah began her journey toward her Masters degree in Social Work from Simmons University. She recently started the internship phase of her program in a local community setting in Virginia Beach, VA.
During her time at the University of Pittsburgh, she met her best friend and future husband, Christopher Duncan. They were married on April 9, 2019 and upon Chris’ graduation from the Naval Academy, they moved from Pittsburgh, PA to Pensacola, FL and then on to Norfolk, VA.
Serayah worked at the Cheesecake Factory in Virginia Beach where she was admired by friends and coworkers. Serayah loved her yearly visits to Knoebels and trips to the beach. She enjoyed volunteering at Toys for Tots. Serayah was always willing to help others and put them first. Her giving heart will be missed by all who knew her.
She leaves to mourn, her husband Lt. Christopher Duncan of Norfolk, VA; her parents, Scott L. Holdren, Jr. of Marietta, PA and Towahna D. Rhim of Mount Joy, PA; her eldest sister, Brianah C. Holdren of Mount Joy, PA and brother Tyler S. Holdren of Brooklyn, NY; maternal and paternal grandparents, in-laws, and a host of family and friends.
Serayah was affectionately named Texas Tornado and Mexican Jumping Bean by Scott because she was conceived in Texas and was active from day one. Serayah was famous as a little girl for saying she had taken her nap, emerging from her bedroom, rubbing the imaginary sleep from her eyes…all in a matter of 15 minutes… only to be told by mommy to go take another nap.
Serayah was a joy in the lives of so many but kept her struggle of mental health, specifically bipolar disorder, close to her inner circle.
If you take nothing away from Serayah’s death and life, I implore you to seek help at the first inklings of any mental health battles. Do not try to go it alone, you need to push against your urge to self-isolate. We get it, what if someone labels us, what if they judge us, what if … what if … what if…?
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the International Bipolar Foundation, www.ibf.org or the Depression and Biploar Support Alliance, www.dbsalliance.org.
Family and friends will be received on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at The Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home and Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 from 5PM-7PM. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11AM on Friday, February 11, 2022 at The Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Crematory. Friends and family will be received from 9AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at Witness Park, Lititz, PA.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
February 12, 2022
I’m sorry 2 hear dis
I’m glad I got to kno yall when we were young from church and I even babysit u to
Dis hurts to see someone I knew from a young age pass away
U will b missed serayah
February 11, 2022
Tee and family, we want to express our condolences for your loss and sorrow at this time. We stand with you in support while we pray for comfort, peace and grace to surround you all remembering your beloved Serayah.
Sincerely, Carrie and Drs Allen, Adusumilli, Henderson, Heather, Shepherd, Matejicka
February 10, 2022
Sending our love & prayers to all the family and friends that Serayah touched. May God bless you and give you the strength to get through each day. Love to all!
Bryan & Susie Stewart
February 10, 2022
Serayah was a light shining bright. We went to Summer Camp PFL together every year, and although we were young – I knew she was a kind hearted person, the light I sometimes needed when we were homesick. My prayers go out to her family and friends.
Christina Tran
February 09, 2022
To the family of the beautiful soul we lost;
I know no amounts of condolences and best wishes will make your pain hurt any less or the weight of this situation any less heavy. Please know that Serayah knew how loved she was and that you guys did your absolute best at loving her. She was one of the best people I’ve ever encountered and her departure is one I’ll carry with me until the end of time. There’s some people you meet that you just get and they get you. Serayah was that person for me. My heart is heavy that we lost contact for a short while but I will always cherish our memories and I know her soul has finally found peace. May you all find yours as well.
Serayah – I love you always & I’ll see you on the other side some day.
Beth Prevatt
February 09, 2022
Sister T,
I deeply sympathize with you and your family at this time of sadness and grief from losing a child to mental health. I’m there each and every day from losing my daughter. But we love a God Who can soothe every tear when we need Him because He knows that we know that we can and He’s the only One that can. So keep loving up on our Lord and Savior, Honor and keep praising Him and He will always be there with you through this journey. He is your comforter, your peace. He promised to never leave you or forsake you. Shout of His love ❤️ from the highest mountain and be a blessing to someone else who may not know Him. We love you, praying for you and praying with you.
always, your sister in Christ, Claudia Palmer
New Life In Christ Fellowship
February 09, 2022
Please accept my sincere sympathy as you grieve the loss of Serayah. I never got to know my father, George, who died in 1947 as a result of his illness which was known as manic depresssion at that time. My passion has been mental health issues. I was drawn to Serayah’s beautiful smile while reading Sunday’s Lancaster Newspaper. In your grief you have reached out to others encouraging them to seek help and not to go it alone. What a kind thing to do! Wishing you comfort and peace. Mary Smith
February 09, 2022
With heartfelt thoughts of your family and the loss you are all feeling . Our prayers that God will give you comfort and strength as you grieve the loss of your precious Serayah.
David & Linda Gettle
February 09, 2022
I did not know your Serayah but am moved to reach out after reading her obituary. We too lost a son who was bipolar- he was 27. I know they are both at peace and joy having been released from the bonds of this illness and enjoying the beauty of heaven. I thank you so for your sharing of her struggle so that others might be moved to seek help. God bless you all- Charlotte Rosen
February 08, 2022
Sissy, You are in our prayers. We pray God continues to wrap his arms around you and your family during this time. We are here for you in this moment and in the moments to come. We love you Denise, Rob, Isaiah, Destiny and Kannan❤️
February 07, 2022
My condolences to the family. Serayah & I bonded over our mutual love for Pittsburgh. She was a bright light in my career at the restaurant we both worked at. I’ll never forget her teasing me for wearing flip flops in what’s considered in VA “colder” weather. I shrugged & told her I was raised in Western PA & she shrugged & laughed at me. I love that memory. My light & love to you all.
February 07, 2022
I offer my condolences to all who loved such a tender heart. I can only imagine that she felt and lived life so emphatically that she will always be deeply missed by everyone who was lucky to have met her.
February 07, 2022
She’s my sister regardless of the flesh and blood aspect. We talked every day about our life struggles and relied on one another for any struggles we may have been going through. It’s a tragic thing losing someone so close to me but I know that God lucked out with an angel that’s absolutely one of a kind. Love you and miss you sis
February 06, 2022
Serayah was my daughter Therese’s good friend at Buchanan Elementary. I remember her as a smart and talented student and a loyal friend. I’m very sorry for your loss.
February 06, 2022
Family, please accept my deepest condolences, for your enormous loss! Serayah was a sweetheart of a person. Her loss will be felt by many. May she finally have the peace she was in search of, in Jesus’s name, Amen.
February 05, 2022
We are thinking and praying for you all. May God give you strength and His peace. Hold on to all the precious memories . 🙏🏼🙌❤️🙌🙏🏼
February 05, 2022
Carol and Scott are childhood friends of mine. My deepest condolences to all of you. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter, granddaughter, great granddaughter, wife, niece, great niece and friend to all who loved Serayah.
With Sympathy and Prayers,
Ingrid (Wolf) Steiner
February 05, 2022
Sorry for your loss my deepest sympathy may God bless you all and give you strength to get through the pain you feel for your loved one🕊🕊l
February 05, 2022
Sending all our love prayers and condolences. We can not attend the services but are with you in Spirit. Love you always Camisha and family❤️
February 05, 2022
T , Lionel and I are so sorry for the loss of your precious daughter. There’s No One like Jesus he makes no mistakes. Keeping you and your family in our prayers and our heart we love you. You have our deepest condolences.
- Visitation
- Thursday, February 10, 2022
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Visitation
- Friday, February 11, 2022
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Friday, February 11, 2022
- 11:00 AM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
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