Mary Doretha Holt, 90, of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away to be with her Lord on Monday, January 13, 2020 in her home. She was a retired elementary school teacher after teaching for over 25 years. She was a member of the Greenwood United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Gilbert Holt of Fort Smith, AR; her son, Jim Holt and his wife Marion of Memphis, TN; her daughter, Becky Yates and husband Don of Huntington, AR; two grandsons Jeremy Yates and his wife Andrea of Bentonville, AR; and Justin Yates, and his wife Tarah also of Bentonville, AR; and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ethel Carney.
Doretha was native Arkansan from Parkin. She graduated from Arkansas Tech University in 1951 with a degree in music education. She fell in love with Gilbert and they were married a week after she graduated. They eventually moved to Memphis, TN where she taught at Tipton Academy. In addition, she was an accomplished pianist and taught piano in her home for many years. Her sweet spirit was reflected in her music and in the poetry that she wrote. She was a great cook and enjoyed traveling. She was active in the Methodist Church, playing the piano for services and singing in the choir throughout her life.
Doretha was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who was greatly loved by all her family and friends. Visitation and viewing will be Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 5 p.m. at McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood, AR. It will be followed by the funeral service in the chapel at 6 p.m. Interment will be at Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion, Arkansas at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Salisean Missions, which she supported all of her life.
