Geraldine F. Holt

Geraldine (Jerrie) Faye Ross Holt, born September 8, 1936, in Kibler, Arkansas, went to be with Jesus on August 16, 2025, just a few weeks shy of her 89th birthday. Her death was due to dementia caused by white brain disease. She was a resident of Bettendorf, IA.

Jerrie was born the sixth of seven children. She graduated from Van Buren High School, Van Buren, Arkansas, in 1954. She then attended college and attained a teaching certificate in mathematics and eventually earned her master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Arkansas in 1963. She then moved to Garland, Texas, where she met the love of her life, James Holt, while serving in an inner city mission. They married on December 23, 1967.

Jerrie taught math, ESL, and social studies from middle school to university levels. She also taught many Sunday School classes in the various churches of which they were members. She served joyously in many capacities in her churches and civic organizations. She enjoyed sudoku, sewing, cross-stitching, crocheting, cooking, and canning produce. She also enjoyed gardening and was an avid reader.

After retiring from teaching, Jerrie served as a missionary alongside James in American Samoa and mainland China. She continued to serve as pastor’s wife when James began pastoring churches.

Most of all, Jerrie loved God. Her devotional times were the most important part of her day, and her face shone as she read the Bible and prayed. She was selfless and giving, often helping the underdogs.

She is survived by her husband, James and children Cindy Dorsey, Jim Holt, Missy Rudolph, and Felicia Phillips. She leaves behind grandchildren Roselind Alvarez, Aimee Jasso, Christopher Holt, Derek Rudolph, Drew Rudolph, Heidi Rudolph, Joshua Phillips, Jonathan Phillips, Anna Phillips, and Lucy Phillips, and numerous great-grandchildren. Her sister Anne Bahil will miss her greatly. Her beloved nieces and nephews, Johnny Broadnax, Gary Broadnax, Patrick Broadnax, David Lovett, Mark Lovett, Lisa Ivins, Krista Ross, Mike Baker, and Andy Baker.

Jerrie was predeceased by her mother and father, John and Othie Ross, her sisters Dorothy, Jeanne, Lee, Bobbie Lou, and her brother John. Also predeceasing her are one grandchild, Daniel, and one great-grandchild, Stephanie.

A memorial service will be held at Crosspointe Baptist Church, September 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Gideons International or Texans on Mission at www.texansonmission.org. They are leaders in disaster relief efforts around the globe.