Jeanette Paxton Holcombe

The journey began December 11, 1932, in Clemson, SC; born to Fred Leroy and Eva Devora Roper Paxton and would be their only child and became a very devoted one. After moving to Ranlo, NC for a couple of years, they returned to Lafrance, SC where most of her school years were spent; then moved up the road to Pendleton where she attended Pendleton High School and met the love of her life, Cecil Holcombe, who later became her best friend and were married for over 68 years.

Jeanette and Cecil provided a loving home for their three children – Deborah (John) Ray, Oxford, GA; Robert (Boots) Holcombe and Fred (Tina) Holcombe, both of Chattanooga, TN; their six precious grandchildren – Amelia, Abby and Ashley Ray; Scott (Chelsea) Holcombe; Janna (Dan) Kalin; Luke Holcombe; their one adorable great granddaughter – Ava Holcombe

She was an amazing homemaker. In many ways, she reflected the “Proverbs 31” lady. Taking care of her house and family was a priority; always having a spotlessly clean house; everyone benefitting from her cooking and baking skills with always plenty of food, cakes and goodies whether it was the holidays or not; made hundreds of assorted needlework items from her childhood to very recent years; a seamstress who made many of her own and her children’s clothing.

Jeanette enjoyed roller skating as a child and teen, playing many kinds of games, doing puzzles and about anything that included family and friends; most of all, she was an unstoppable shopper with or without friends! Having fun and being funny, whether she meant to or not, was her true personality. Mom dearly loved babies and always wished she had a house full but since she did not, she took that love and taught kindergarten for 8 years, Sunbeams in the 1960s and children’s church classes for many years; and babysat young children in her home who were treated by “Granny” as if they were her own.

Coming from a family who loved to gather around an old piano and sing Southern Gospel hymns, Jeanette had a tremendous love for music, played the organ and piano and sang herself. She passed that love to the family who all love music and the majority of them use their musical talents in church ministries today.

A major part of her life was being a pastor’s wife for over 47 years. She stood beside Cecil helping however needed at a moment’s notice. Many members of their former churches recollect what an exemplary pastor’s wife she was by always being dressed to a “T”, a devoted wife and mother, had a servant’s heart that gave and gave again when her body seemed it could give no more. Such perseverance, persistence and dedication did not go unnoticed along with her being compassionate to their needs, a listener, an encourager and entertaining with her humor and outgoing, never-meet-a-stranger personality and one who greatly used her gift of hospitality. Their home was always open to everyone whether planned or not with two people who cared and wanted to help make a difference in the lives of others by being hospitable. As a former church member stated well, “she was hospitable by choice, not because of her position.”

Jeanette’s earthly journey came to an end on March 28, 2020! A life full of much sorrow and physical illnesses; yet, full of fun and expectations has been replaced with a new pain/worry-free body and because of her personal relationship with Jesus Christ since she was about 11 years old, she did not lose her battle with her illnesses, SHE WON! She is with her Savior and all her family and loved ones gone before her, including her precious, caring husband who passed away last April. They were members of Calvary Baptist Church in Loganville, GA.

Those who remain, her children, grandchildren, great granddaughter, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nephew and family along with a multitude of cousins and friends will miss her but there is hope through Christ we will see her again! A private burial will take place in Central, SC and a memorial service will be scheduled at a later time.

The family extends our gratitude for the tremendous help, care and encouragement that has been given by the staff at NHC-Chattanooga and Hickory Valley Retirement Community.