Mary Frances Holt

Mary Frances Shafer Holt was born to Paul Noble Shafer and Gertrude Olive Field on May 28, 1926, at home in Tipple (now McGraws)--a small community in Wyoming County, West Virginia. A couple of years later her brother, George, was born in the same community. In 1944 Mary Frances graduated from Winfield High School. She was the valedictorian of her class. She attended Berea College for two years and then went to West Virginia University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics in 1948. Mary Frances taught home economics at Clay Battelle High School in Blacksville, West Virginia for a couple of years and then worked on her Master’s Degree in 1951 and 1952 at Purdue University. It was during her time at West Virginia University that she met Bob Holt, a fellow student, while traveling home by bus after the spring semester. They were married on July 14, 1950, at the Winfield Baptist Church in Winfield, West Virginia. Bob and Mary Frances moved to San Diego, California and lived in a 25 foot trailer that they pulled across country. After a year they pulled the trailer to Indiana so that Bob could get his Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Purdue. In August 1952 they returned to San Diego. Their first son, Glenn, was born in 1953. George was born in 1956 and Rick came along in 1959. The family traveled to visit relatives in West Virginia most every summer. They towed a tent trailer behind their car and enjoyed sightseeing along the way. Bob and Mary Frances first attended the First Baptist Church at 10th and E in San Diego. Later, Mary Frances and Bob were charter members of a church plant which became Del Cerro Baptist Church on July 31, 1958. San Diego was the home base until 1977 when Bob and Mary Frances moved to Granada Hills in the San Fernando Valley (Los Angeles area). Bob worked for Lockheed in Burbank (after working for General Dynamics for 26 years in San Diego). Mary Frances sang in the choir and participated in the Living Christmas Tree along with other activities at the First Baptist Church of Van Nuys where she made many more lifelong friends. In 1987 Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and when he retired in 1989 they returned to their home on Trinity Way in San Diego. Meanwhile, all three boys had gotten married, Dayna, Janis, and Jennifer joined the family. Later Mary Frances and Bob became grandparents to Eric, Kristen, and Mila. Before Bob passed away in 2008, they were able to do some traveling during their 58 years of marriage. Their travels included trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and “home” to West Virginia. They enjoyed visiting family and participating in church activities. Mary Frances was a football fan; she especially liked to watch West Virginia University games. She took the time to write notes, cards and letters throughout the year. She enjoyed sewing and gardening. She collected bells, hand-blown glass, and West Virginia memorabilia. Mary Frances was known for her hospitality, guests were always welcome in her home. Mary Frances is survived by her children and their families. Glenn, Dayna and Mila Holt of San Diego, CA; George, Janis, Eric and Kristen Holt of Santa Clarita, CA; and Rick and Jennifer Holt of Shreveport, LA. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Habitat for Humanity in Mary Frances' name.