Oma Holt Taylor, devoted wife, sister, sister-in-law and aunt, died peacefully at home on October 22, 2012. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Julian Carter Taylor, Jr.; her parents Caswell and Celeste Holt; and ten siblings.
Oma was born October 1, 1913 in Harnett County. She spent most of her life in Wake County, the early years on her family’s farm in Holly Springs. As a young adult she moved to Raleigh where she met her future husband, Carter. They were married for thirty-three years before his death on July 5, 1977.
Oma enjoyed traveling with Carter to destinations in the U.S. and abroad. She provided opportunities for her nieces and nephews to enjoy numerous educational and cultural opportunities. She was a wonderful cook who was in her element when preparing meals at home for family and guests.
Oma worked alongside Carter at the FCX in downtown Raleigh and later at Jesse Jones Sausage in Garner. Her managerial, bookkeeping and typing skills made her an asset wherever she worked. Her athleticism, honed as a guard on the Holly Springs High School women’s basketball team, made her a key member of basketball teams sponsored by her employers.
Oma served for many years as a volunteer for the American Red Cross and Meals on Wheels. She was recognized by Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. for her years of service as a Red Cross volunteer.
Oma and Carter joined Milner Memorial Presbyterian Church in 1957 where they worshiped and served in various roles as loyal and faithful servants. Oma became one of the first female deacons in the Orange Presbytery.
Oma lived the past twenty-five years in a community of caring neighbors. The neighborhood children knew Oma as Granny Taylor and she enjoyed spoiling them with orange soda and homemade cookies. Oma had fond memories of her great nephews, Kyle and Davis, and their friends gathering in her beautifully landscaped yard to play their childhood games.
Oma loved her family. Survivors include her sisters, Laura Holt Gardner Minard of Fuquay Varina and Helen Holt Peterman of Frederick, MD; her brother, Robert Holt of Middlesex; and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her loyal dog, Buddy.
A memorial service to celebrate Oma’s life will be held at Milner Memorial Presbyterian Church on Friday, November 2, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Following the service the family will greet friends in the church’s fellowship hall.
A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Red Cross, Wake County Meals on Wheels, Milner Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, Wake County Hospice or the Taylor/Holt Forestry and Wildlife Management Scholarship at N.C. State University.
The family extends its appreciation to caregivers Emma, Monica, Naomi, Emily and Nolie for their loving care and to Wake County Hospice for their gentle care when Oma’s body grew weak.
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