Margaret Fentress Holt

Margaret Fentress Holt, the youngest daughter of Dr. Sam and Minnie G Fentress's 6 children, passed away peacefully May 22, 2016, 2 weeks shy of her 94th birthday. Margaret was predeceased last year by her husband of 68 years, Ernest B Holt, Jr.; and her son in law, James B Ragland, Jr. She is survived by her brother, Charles Fentress (Juanita); sister in law, Nora H Williams; her daughter, Lynn Holt Ragland; and son, E Berry Holt (Celeste). In addition, she is survived by her grandchildren, James B Ragland III, Atlanta, GA, Dr. Margaret Ragland (Ian Love), Denver, CO, Margaret H. Rittenhouse (Matt), Seattle, WA, Kathryn Holt, Boulder, CO, Laura H Taylor (Don), Nashville, TN, and Will Holt, Los Angeles, CA; and great grandchildren, Claire and Jack Rittenhouse. Margaret grew up in Goodlettsville, TN, served in the US Navy based in Washington DC during WWII, and returned to Nashville to meet and marry Ernest in May of 1947. Margaret was loving, kind, gracious, intelligent with a healthy slice of funny sarcasm. She took impeccable care of her family, her first priority. She was a pillar of Calvary United Methodist Church serving in many capacities helping its members and their families. She particularly loved the women's fellowship projects and groups there which she faithfully supported. Her children's friend's always knew her warmth and kindness, but her strong attitudes also. Nicknamed "the Chief" by Lynn's friends she could be persuasive in her opinions. Her children shuddered well into adulthood at her consistent cautionary words “wait till your father gets home!” Margaret also had deep and loving personal friendships as the mountain of annual birthday cards tangibly evidenced. Most importantly, she was the consummate “Granny” doting on and helping all 6 of her grandchildren. They remember her love, praise, patience and quick humor. She was loved by her neighbors on Vailwood Drive for 62 years and was a single handed neighborhood watch program, some for safety concerns and some for her keen curiosity ! Margaret was an original recycler and frugal budget manager. She could reuse most anything, there being no such thing as “disposable plastic items”. Margaret's only known extravagance was a beautiful fur coat that she saved for and smuggled in the house convincing Ernest she had "had it forever". We owe a deep debt of gratitude to Judy Wise and Gina Johnson and the entire team of caregivers and support staff at Burton Court for the loving and life sustaining care she received for the last year. Also to her "table" of friends she shared daily meals and life with during that period. We love her so and will miss her dearly and remember her often, keeping her alive in our hearts and lives. Visitation will be from four (4) to six (6) in the evening on Thursday, May 26th at her son's home at 1201 Beddington Park, Nashville, 37215. Private burial preceding. Honorary Pallbearers are Margaret's grandchildren. In lieu of flowers , please send memorials to Calvary United Methodist Church, 3701 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, 37215 or the charity of your choice.