Mother Mattie Louise Holt

Mattie Louise Holt, the one we dearly loved and cherished so suddenly and quietly slipped away from this life at the home of her daughter, LaWanda where she was currently residing on Wednesday, March 30, 2016. She was born August 14, 1937 in Pineview Georgia to Rosa Mae and Robert Conyers. She was affectionately called the “prettiest girl in Wilcox County.” She received her education in Vienna, Georgia and was a star basketball player while attending school. She caught the eye of her future husband, Mark Holt as a young girl in Georgia. He began their courting stage by bringing her a rabbit riding on his horse to her house to ask per parents’ permission to court their daughter. Mark later relocated to Nashville, Tennessee and after she graduated from high school he came back to Georgia and brought her to Nashville where they were married in 1957. They were married for 59 years and to their union 8 children were born. Mother Holt was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, two brothers and one grandson, Montrell Holt. Her only living sibling, Lugene Thornton currently lives in Pineview Georgia. Louise as she was known by most spent the majority of her life cooking for her family, friends and employers. She spent many years as the food services manager for both the Sisters of Mercy at Saint Bernard’s and the Marriott at HCA. The Lord blessed her to fulfill one of her long time dreams of owning and operating her own Café which she named “Morning Glory.” People would come from miles around for her cakes, pies and other savory and delectable foods she prepared daily. She was also the first black female to be employed by Baird-Ward Printing Company where she worked for many years in the bindery department. Mother Holt received salvation and sanctification at Prayer Temple Church of God in Christ where she was a faithful member for over 46 years. She served in many capacities as was always willing to do the work of the Lord. She was a former Mother’s Board and choir President, a current member of the Mother’s board and Christian Women’s Council (CWC) president. She was full of wisdom and always had words of encouragement to give as the Lord lead her. She spent countless Saturdays at bake sales with other church mothers raising money for Pastor’s anniversaries or whatever the church may have needed. Her greatest joy was to see souls saved. She dearly loved her Pastor and First Lady, the Late Elder T. O. and Missionary Fannie Fondren. She loved teaching the young women of the church and would often have them over to her house for food, fellowship and prayer, always advising them on how to be good and faithful women to God and to their husbands, and the importance of raising their children in the way of the Lord. She had the love of God in her heart and was compelled to let everyone know, “Jesus is soon to return and you need to get right with the Lord.” She never compromised her beliefs and stood firm on the word of God whether you liked it or not, she was going to tell you the truth. She leaves to mourn her passing: her husband, Mark E. Holt, Sr.; 8 children, Mark E. (Ernestine) Holt, Jr., LaWanda Holt, Angela Holt-Henry(Norman), Wayne (Karen)Holt, Evon Holt, Andre’ (Lori) Holt, Chris Holt and Kay Bell (Andre); 21 grandchildren ; 5 great grandchildren, and extended family, friends, and other relatives. She was Mama to her children, mother to many, Ommie to her grandchildren, Mattie to some, Louise to others and loved by all. Her presence will be greatly missed.