Susie Mae Holt

Susie Mae Holt, 100, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, passed away on November 28, 2025, in Muskogee, OK. Born April 7, 1925, in Sugar Mountain, Oklahoma, to Tom Scott and Sally Christie (Tail), Susie grew up surrounded by the culture, language, and community that shaped her. She was a fluent Cherokee speaker and carried that part of her identity with pride.

Susie married Cecil Holt in Stockton, California in 1942, and moved back to Stilwell, Oklahoma the same year. In 1946, they returned to California, settling in Valley Home from 1947 until 1980. After more than three decades in California, she came back to Tahlequah in 1980, where she settled in and stayed for the rest of her days.

Susie took pride in furthering her education. She earned her GED and then went on to get her associate’s degree through Modesto Junior College, where she later earned her LVN in nursing. She spent many years working as a nurse and caregiver. Steady, patient, and respectful in everything she did.

In her free time, Susie enjoyed the simple rhythms of life. She loved sewing and making blankets, each one stitched with love. She enjoyed being outdoors, especially camping and fishing, and she never passed up a chance to be surrounded by nature and family.

Faith was an important part of Susie’s life. She was active in her church and loved music, especially Cherokee hymns.

On April 30, 2025, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. declared “Susie Holt Day” in honor of her 100th birthday, recognizing her life, her language, her service, and her contribution to Cherokee people.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents, Tom Scott and Sally Christie (Tail); her husband Cecil; and her siblings: Tommy Scott, Freeman Scott, Lemon Scott, Robert (Shorty) Scott, Bill Thomas, Evelyn Garrotte, Isaac J. Christie and wife Bobby, Robert Bullett and wife Della, Margaret Bullett Bush and husband Tom, Janie Scott Thorn, and Rosie Scott Glory.

She leaves behind her son, Doug Holt; grandchildren, Tammy Holt, Mike Holt and partner Alex, Daniel Holt and wife Sandra, great-grandchildren, Amanda Kerns and Samantha Kerns; and one great-great-granddaughter, Nova Rain.

Susie lived a full century, long enough to witness change, raise family, share her language, sew her love into blankets, and quietly make life better for the people around her. Her legacy is one of kindness, strength, cultural pride, and service, and those who knew her will carry her memory forward.