Ruby Lillie Holt

On October 26th, 1930, our mother started her life as a tiny cotton headed girl in Bakewell, Tennessee to Elmer and Velva Shipley. Ruby for some and Lillie for others was one of 7 brothers and sisters in the Shipley family. Of the 7 siblings Marvin Shipley still resides in Hixson Tn. with wife Ann. Ruby grew into a beautiful young woman and graduated from Soddy-Daisy High School. After high school she married Harold Abernathy. They built a home in Soddy and started their family of six. Children includes Brenda Erwin of Soddy-Daisy spouse Kayo Erwin, Donald Abernathy of Sale Creek, spouse Angela Abernathy, Darlene Sullivan, of Soddy-Daisy spouse Johnny Sullivan, Randall "Scott" Abernathy deceased spouse Janet Abernathy, Angela Romano of Soddy-Daisy spouse Eric Romano and Kenneth Edwin Abernathy deceased.

Our Dad traveled a lot in his work and our mother took on the role of both mom and dad throughout our childhood. During our early years she didn't drive so we were constantly at home with her love wrapped around us and watching over us. Dirty diapers, washing clothes and dishes, cooking and cleaning and her kids was her daily life for as long as I can remember. I never heard her complain once about having to care or clean for us through all those years regardless of how she felt. All my memories of her is working to make her children's life a little better than hers and making sure we had a full belly, clean clothes and clean hands. She always had a hug or smile for us and maybe even a chorus of "You Are My Sunshine" on good days. She also became a second mom to just about all our friends. If they spent any time at our house Mom seemed to embrace them as her own. I can remember a couple of our happiest moments was the first air conditioner in a window and our new color TV. Mom seemed to enjoy both.

She was of Baptist faith. Mom would get us all ready for church on Sunday mornings. Since she couldn't drive, we would walk to church with her to South Soddy Baptist Church. Most of the time our cat also came along and meowed at the window during Sunday School. Mom's faith in God never wavered through all our families' heartaches or problems over the years.

Our Dad Harold passed away early in life and Mom met William "Bill" Holt who became Mom's love and soul mate throughout the remainder of his life. They enjoyed each other so much and both had that special look that just said we are fine and happy. Mom had to give Bill back to God in 2006 after spending 26 happy years together. Even then Mom just prayed and never once wavered in her faith.

Fortunately, all of us got to remain in the area after leaving home and starting our own lives. We have had the opportunity to share many loving memories with Mom as our mother, as a grand-mother and a great grandmother. A trip to Mom's was a must during holidays or special events and getting a hug and smile from her would top off the day.

Although our mom never had that trophy for sports or that accolade for some achievement that many reach for in life, her prayers have clung to us like trophies all our lives. Mom was our emotional barometer. All that we are or have become we owe to her unselfish care. We were blessed to have her for the years God allowed our angel to remain on earth. There are no awards for being a great Mom except a faith filled happy and content heart which is priceless.

She was preceded in her passing by her baby son she spoke of often, Kenneth Edwin Abernathy, son Randall Scott Abernathy, her precious grand children Alicia Marie Sullivan and Jaydon Taft Baker, and her husband of 26 years William "Bill" F. Holt.

She leaves behind a family that will always cherish her memory and forever be thankful for her guidance and unending love.

The 11 grandchildren include Heather Baker (Jeff), Heath Abernathy (My), Tracy Gentry (Marc), Christina Boyd (Stacey), Becky Sullivan, "Little" Johnny Sullivan, Michael Romano (Brittany), Ashley Bunch (Cody), Gracie Abernathy and Brandy Abernathy.

She also has the love of 18 precious great grandchildren.

Mom, you gave us the roots to start our life and then you gave us our wings to fly. We all learned to dream because you believed in us. Even though a piece of our heart is gone today your beautiful memories and enduring love for us will fill the emptiness each time we think of you.

Arrangements and visitation are provided by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-North Chapel 5401 TN-153, Hixson, Tn 37343. Visitation will be Saturday Sept. 4"" from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Pastor Mitch McClure will officiate the funeral services.

The family would like to thank the families special care givers, Carolyn Morse and Pat Rogers for their help over the past 18 months. Not only did they provide a loving helping hand for mom but also brightened her days. Also we would like to thank Hospice of Chattanooga and all the people associated that made it possible for our family to find comfort and peace in the great care and overwhelming kindness shown to our mother during her final days.