Shirley Joy Holt

Shirley Lovering Holt, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Southeast Alabama Medical Center after spending her final week in the company of her husband and each of her five children.

Born Shirley Joy to Lavon and Thelma Lovering in Colquitt, GA, on April 21, 1948. She grew up attending Miller County Schools. She was a member of the MCHS Class of 1966 and a 1989 graduate of Valdosta State University. In high school, she met the love of her life, Steve, in Latin Class when she was 15 and he was 16. Steve affectionately called her "Precious,” which was later adopted by her grandchildren and all of those close to her because she was truly precious in every sense of the word.

She was precious in her genuine character, steadfast faith, and authenticity. She was committed to service within her church. A long-standing member of Colquitt Free Will Baptist Church since 1960, she served in various capacities, including church clerk, Sunday School teacher and student, Vacation Bible School Director, and Ladies’ Auxiliary (WAC) president. She frequently provided encouragement and exemplified her beliefs through both word and action.

She was precious in the way that she cared for those around her and her community. Her commitment to community extended beyond her church. Shirley was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and parent volunteer for almost 25 years at Southwest Georgia Academy, and an educator in local school systems. She valued the opportunity to host her children's friends and influencing their experiences while providing solid advice and a positive example.

She was precious in protecting what mattered. Her family was her everything and she was always there to defend, stand up, and protect them through her gentle yet powerful presence. She was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law Grace Holt McLendon, and granddaughter Molly Grace Holt. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Steve Holt, who she loved fiercely; children Missi (Mike) Holcomb of Peachtree City, GA; Joy (Mike) Cloud of Tallahassee, FL; Joe (Kerry) Holt of Lynn Haven, FL; KaCee (Nathan) Miller of Thomasville, GA; and KaDee Holt (Nathan Brix) of Boulder, CO; her grandchildren Shawn (Pam) Cloud, Matt (Anne) Cloud, Abbygale (Isaiah) Langdon, Vee Holcomb, Victoria Holcomb, Lily Kate Holt, Duncan Holt, Trinity Brix, Nathaniel Miller, Jeremiah Miller, and Nataleigh Miller.

Lastly, she was precious in the way that she found joy in life. “Shirley Joy” and “Precious” were not just her names. She found joy in the little things: counting hummingbirds, warm pound cake, crushed ice, chicken minis, flirting with Steve, family gatherings, college football, riding around at sunset, meals with the Staffords, going to church, a good Western, talking to her children every day, and sneaking candy and chocolate. She made friends everywhere she went because of her humbleness, sincerity, and warm smile. She ended each night with the same phrase, her family heard, “Good night. I love you. Say your prayers.”

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Colquitt Free Will Baptist Church at 11:00 am with graveside services following. Officiating will be Rev. Kent Barwick, Rev. William Smith, and Rev. James Judkins. Visitation will be at 10:00 am before the funeral services. Pallbearers will be the deacons of Colquitt Free Will Baptist Church: Hubert Stafford, Gary Enfinger, Craig Tully, Randy Adams, Cleve Roland, Justin Durden, and Stephen Middleton. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Dialysis Clinic, Inc in Dothan, AL, and the best caregivers around Mary Powell, Brenda Pearson, Christy Cook, and Patrina Ward.

In addition to flowers, contributions can be made to Colquitt Free Will Baptist Church.