Clara Mae Holt

Clara Mae Holt, 87, of Strawberry, Arkansas, passed away to her eternal Heavenly home on Friday, July 3, 2026. She was born in Earle, Arkansas, to Heald and Bertha (Watson) Smith on November 3, 1938.

She was married on March 4, 1955, to Verlon David Holt and they were together for 66 years before his passing in 2021. She worked for Caron Spinning Company in Rochelle, Illinois, for several years until becoming a stay-at-home mom to Gary, Jeff, and Donna, working outside the home periodically. First and foremost, Clara loved God with all her heart, soul, and mind. She was a mighty prayer warrior who stood on God’s Word from reading and studying her Bible daily. She loved her family fiercely and prayed diligently for each one. Her encouragement, her love, her unfailing support will be treasured. She was a member of the Church of God and worked in the church over the years serving as a Sunday school teacher, a Willing Worker President, cleaning the church, doing the church bulletin, making peanut brittle, and helping with Vacation Bible School.

Clara was full of spirit and was adventurous, always willing to try new things. She was always busy and seldom sat still. She loved looking things up on the computer, with her favorite things being genealogy, nutrition, health, home remedies, and recipes. She loved sewing, cooking, and inventing new recipes. Through tough times, Clara was strong and persevered. Through all times, she was kind to all and had the biggest heart. We will miss her dearly until we see her again in Heaven. She would want to tell everyone that if you’re not ready, get saved and be ready to meet your Lord, for you will one day.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one brother, Willie “Rufus” Smith and five sisters, Mary Elizabeth Gaines, Joan Fitzgerald, Ruby Spears, Ida Cox, and Carolyn Carter.

She leaves behind two sons, Gary (Janet) Holt of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, and Jeff (Kisty)

Holt of Strawberry, Arkansas; one daughter, Donna Holt of Jonesboro, Arkansas; one sister, Shirley Stephens; three grandchildren, Daniel Johnson, Ashley Pretty, and Amber Hobbs; several great-grandchildren; and a host of loving relatives and friends.

We want to give a special thank you to Clara’s team at Legacy Hospice. She was shown love and respect, treated with dignity, and provided the absolute best possible care. We cannot thank you enough and we love you all.

A memorial graveside service will be held Friday, August 7, 2026, 2:00 p.m. at the Cave City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Matlock Road Church of God; P.O. Box 695, Cave City, AR 72521.

Arrangements by Qualls Funeral Homes.