Rosaland Gail (Kuyendall) Holt - Battle

Rosaland Gail Kuykendall was born in Houston, Texas on August 28, 1950, the  second of four children. Baptized at Greater Union Baptist Church at an early age, Rosaland  graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School in 1969.  She later attended Houston Community College where she completed her training to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

For over 50 years, Rosaland was an active and faithful member of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. She served as the Usher Board Vice President, Deaconess Secretary, a member of the First Aid/Nurse team, and a dedicated member of the  Scholarship Committee. She spent countless hours in the church kitchen, joyfully partnering with fellow members to prepare meals that offered nourishment, comfort, and fellowship. She generously shared her culinary gifts for fundraisers, celebrations, and special events, and she lovingly delivered meals to church elders who could no longer attend services.

Deaconess Rosaland devoted 50 years of service to St. Joseph Hospital, remaining a steady and beloved presence through multiple changes in administration. She spent more than two decades as a nurse within the hospital and continued her career in St. Joseph–affiliated clinics, including Family Medical Associates of Houston and the Steward   Medical Group. Her compassion, skill, and unwavering commitment to patient care touched countless lives.

Deaconess Rosaland battled pancreatic and liver cancer for eighteen years. Though the treatments were grueling, her faith never wavered. She refused to complain, instead saying, “Why not me? Maybe seeing me can help someone else.” Even in her most difficult moments, when cancer was winning the fight against her body, her spirit remained steadfast. In her final days, her whispered words—“Praise God” and “Thank You, Jesus”—reflected the faith that sustained her throughout her life.

Deaconess Rosaland Gail Holt‑Battle, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated nurse, entered God’s eternal embrace on February 17, 2026, at the age of 75. 

She was preceded in transition by her biological father (Melvin Baldwin Kuykendall), mother and step-father (Elvester and Mack Oswald Braxton); two brothers (Melvin  Baldwin Kuykendall, Jr., and Mack Oswald Braxton, II).  She leaves behind a legacy of servant leadership, kindness, and strength. with her husband, Jesse “Chief” Battle; her three children: Michael Holt Jr., Damon Holt, and Janelle Holt; two grand-children,   Alexander and Daniel; sister, Sheila D. Green, and a host of nieces,  nephews, other  relatives and friends.

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