Joann Holton
d. November 26, 2020
JoAnn Holton passed away on Thursday November 26, 2020, three days short of her 92nd birthday.
She was born November 29, 1928 in Little Rock, Arkansas, the daughter of Walter and Earnestine (Smith) Morris.
JoAnn married Campbell “Hap” Holton III on July 9, 1950. He preceded her in death on March 3, 1999.
Mourning her passing are her children, Campbell Michael (wife Sara) Holton, Deborah (husband Brent) Roberts, and Nicholas M. (wife Teresa) Holton; and five grandchildren, Dustin M. Holton, Sarah Roberts, Lucas Holton, and Grace Holton.
She is also preceded in death by her brother, Walter Morris; and her grandson, Holt Roberts.
JoAnn graduated from Little Rock High School and attended Iowa State University where she met her husband, Hap Holton.
She loved gardening and tried farming but when her family saw her drive a tractor they “shut her off”. She did, however, love fixing a hot lunch every day and bring it out to Hap and the boys during farming season. Needless to say they loved it too.
She was an outstanding cook and a gracious hostess. She was affectional known around Williamsville as Grandma Jo.
JoAnn was a very active member of the Williamsville United Methodist Church. She volunteered for the Girls Scouts of America for several years and for Kings Daughters in Springfield.
Her focus was always on her family and she was especially devoted to her grandchildren.
Due to the COVID pandemic, private family funeral and graveside services will be held. Burial will be at Fancy Creek Cemetery near Sherman.
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Posted November 27th, 2020 at 9:11 pm
I am without words. My older sister, Bev, sat for the Holton children when she was in high school. Then, I did the same when I was in high school. Deb talked me into riding bikes out to her grandparents farm once, and I was so sore I could hardly walk. I remember how badly Jo felt. She was one of the classiest ladies I ever knew. Her talents were unlimited.
Mike, Deb and Nick – my heart is heavy, but I know you have boundless memories of your mom and your dad that will live on forever through you and your children.
May God be with you.
Joyce Smith Lanier
Posted November 27th, 2020 at 9:21 pm
Mike, Deb and Nick…There are simply not words to convey…She was Mom to so many of us as we all grew up together. Our friendships were, and are, special to me and she is certainly one of the reasons for that. Having lost Mom several years ago, I know the emotions and that you will miss her forever. I wish that the time was different so that we could all be together to celebrate her life. Perhaps we will someday soon. Love you All…Quent
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 7:35 am
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She was one of the nicest women I knew growing up. She always had a smile for everyone and always welcoming. Losing a parent is one of the hardest things we have to go through. She will missed by all. Take care of each other. Karen
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 7:52 am
My deepest condolences. A life to be celebrated for sure, a great lady who I always felt was so kind and understanding even with us kids at the time. I have and will continue to think about both Hap and JoAnn as memories seem to be always flooding in. Great folks that set a great example of tolerance and how to share life. My prayers to all.
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 7:54 am
Deb,Nick, and Mike, sorry to hear about your mother she was a very good woman. I’m honored to have had the friendship I had with her…take care and God bless all of you!
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 8:06 am
Besides her physical beauty, Jo had a beautiful spirit. She always found kind words of encouragement for anyone she was speaking with.
Mike, Debbie and Nick you were blessed with amazing parents. We are thankful to have known them and sympathize with you in this void in your life.
Earl and Delores Fowler
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 8:41 am
We are very sorry for your loss. Joann was such a lovely gracious person and will be remembered.
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 9:18 am
A shining light in the WUMC and matriarch of a wonderful, caring family. We are blessed to have known Jo and her gracious, loving spirit, which lives on in your family as well in our memories. Our prayers for comfort and peace.
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 9:32 am
I’m so sorry to hear about Mrs. Holton’s passing. What a beautiful and gracious woman we were all so lucky to know. She always had a smile and a hug for me every time I saw her. What a wonderful and full life she led.
Love to you all –
Tammy
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 10:21 am
I have so many fond memories of this beautiful woman. She picked us up for Sunday school each Sunday and hosted the most fabulous parties for us in her home. We loved her. She is the face of the Methodist Church to me. So kind and loving. One time I told her I thought she was the prettiest woman I knew and she told me it took hours to look like that lol. I do believe she helped mold me into the person I am today and I am forever thankful for her. She will be missed by all. Thinking of her family with love. The world is a better place because of Mrs. Holton.
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 10:21 am
I have so many fond memories of this beautiful woman. She picked us up for Sunday school each Sunday and hosted the most fabulous parties for us in her home. We loved her. She is the face of the Methodist Church to me. So kind and loving. One time I told her I thought she was the prettiest woman I knew and she told me it took hours to look like that lol. I do believe she helped mold me into the person I am today and I am forever thankful for her. She will be missed by all. Thinking of her family with love.
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 12:05 pm
My deepest sympathy to the Hilton family. What a beautiful woman who raised a wonderful family and was so wonderfully admired.
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 12:32 pm
Mike, Deb and “Baby” Nick,
I was sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing. She and my Mom (Elsie) immediately became best friends when Mom moved to Winterberry. Listening to the two of them talk to each other was a hoot. The stories I could tell you about her and my Mom!! When your Mom was having a bad day, my Mom consoled her. When I was on the phone with my Mom one day and she was crying, I heard Miss Joanne telling her not to cry; everything was going to be alright.
As you are probably aware, my Mom passed away on November 10; then 16 days later, your Mom. I can’t help but think that they have their heads together again, talking non-stop. Only now, they are not in wheelchairs, they are not crying and they are not in pain.
After we had loaded the last of Mom’s belongings into our vehicle last Saturday, I went back into the house to tell your Mom good-bye. I told her I didn’t know when I’d get to see her again and that I had missed talking to her over these past months during the lockdown. She was gracious, as always, thanking me and telling me good-bye and to come again. More than anything, I wanted to give her a hug good-bye but, of course, I couldn’t..
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Holton family. I’m thankful I had the opportunity to meet Joanne, even at this late stage in her life and I could tell that she had always been a woman of grace, elegance and strength.
Linda and Butch Clevenger
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 12:41 pm
Mike, Deb, Nick, & all, You are in my thoughts, prayers, and warmest wishes. You shared your Mom with so many of us Williamsville kids, and we have been so blessed by her loving care. Tho I cannot be there to hug you all in person please know I am hugging you in my heart. Love, Alana
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 12:45 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful lady, inside and out, your mother and grandmother was. God bless and comfort you all during this sad time.
Angie (Fowler) Peifer
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 1:45 pm
Dear Holtons
Such a sad time. Mrs. Holton was the epitome of beauty and grace. She was a great friend to my mom. May God keep warm memories in the foreground as you walk the inevitable path of grief. Jan
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 2:02 pm
One of my favorite memories of Jo was on a day she was sleeping in (at noon). She loved staying up late and watching old movies on Turner Classics. Her favorite movie of all times, Doctor Zhivago, came on at 2 a.m. and she had stayed up till 5 a.m. watching it. Weeks later I ordered a DVD of it and we watched it together. A beautiful lady… thinking and praying for all of you.
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 7:26 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with the Holton Family. To Debbie, Nick, and Mike I send my condolences. God Bless You All!
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 7:59 pm
Very sorry for the loss of you mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
James and Mary Wright
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 7:59 pm
Very sorry for the loss of you mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted November 28th, 2020 at 10:42 pm
Mike, Deb & Nick –
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your mother. I will always remember her sweet smile and beautiful nature. May God keep you in his embrace at this difficult time.
Posted November 29th, 2020 at 9:15 am
Mike, Debbie, Nick, I am so sorry for your loss. What great memories of your parents I have. It seemed like we always ended up at the Holtons because your parents were just fun to be around. Jo will be missed by everyone who knew her. Great, classy lady.
Posted November 29th, 2020 at 9:35 am
So very sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. Jo was always a big part of my young life. She was a go to person how always had a kind word and a great smile. Jo will remain in my fondest memories forever. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you all. God Bless
Posted November 29th, 2020 at 12:30 pm
Mike, Deb and Nick,
So sorry to hear about Jo’s passing. What a great group we were all lucky to have helped raise all of us. Lucile, Mabel, your Mom and others made everyone feel at home. She had a great life
Posted November 30th, 2020 at 12:21 am
We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. Every time we went by your parents home in Williamsville, I thought of Jo. She was such a “classy lady”. She had a beautiful warmth and a way of making everyone feel special. I haven’t talked to her in several years but I can still hear her voice. May God comfort you.
Nik and Sharon Caldwell
Posted November 30th, 2020 at 7:22 am
Mike, Deb and Nick and families. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. May God’s Love comfort you, Greg and Tina.
Posted November 30th, 2020 at 4:16 pm
Dear Mike and Sara, Nick and Teresa, Deb and Brent, Dustin, Grace, Lucas and Sara,
We offer our deepest sympathy to you all. We loved Jo, she was such a gracious and caring lady. We feel very fortunate to have had her in our lives. She was a great conversationalist and always made us feel part of the family. While she leaves a hole in your world, her love lives on in and through you.
You are in our thoughts.
Our love to you all.
Posted November 30th, 2020 at 5:45 pm
Mike, Deb and Nick,
I’m so sorry for your loss. She was an amazing person, beautiful both inside and out. I have such fond memories of hanging out at the house with Mike and other friends from my class. She was always so gracious. Everyone who knew her, will always have a special place in their heart for her.
Dorene
Posted November 30th, 2020 at 8:23 pm
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Holton Family. Mrs. Holton was always so friendly and kind to our family at church. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Posted December 1st, 2020 at 6:49 am
My condolence to the family. I also babysit with you all (Mike, Debbie and Nick) and loved all the the time at farm and trips to Bloomington. Jo and Hap always made every one feel special. What a great family!
Posted December 1st, 2020 at 2:29 pm
Dear Mike, Deb, Nick, and family, may it help to know how many people love Jo Ann and the Holton Family. Jo is/was an amazing woman; so beautiful and so sweet inside and out; a walking definition of the meaning of the word “Christian.” May God hold you close to His heart and bring you the comfort and peace only He can give. We love you and we keep you in our hearts and prayers!
Posted December 2nd, 2020 at 7:18 pm
My deepest condolences to this WONDERFUL family. It was my pleasure to care for Ms. Jo ann and meet her wonderful family. She will be greatly missed.
April Smith
Posted December 4th, 2020 at 9:39 am
Deb, Nick and Mike, may you find comfort and peace in the many hugs and prayers from friends and family. Your Mom was a kind and beautiful lady and was loved by so many.
Posted December 4th, 2020 at 9:45 am
My deepest condolences to the Holton family. I had the pleasure of taking care of this beautiful lady and will always remember our time sitting on the deck, taking in the beautiful view and listening to her stories. Ms. Jo and her wonderful family will always have a place in my heart. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Missy
Posted December 6th, 2020 at 2:00 pm
Dear Holton family,
I am so sorry to hear of Aunt Jo’s passing. She was always nice and welcoming to me when I saw her.
I remember taking her to see my father when he was sick. He was very happy to see her and they had a wonderful time.
She will be missed by all. God Bless your family. Our thoughts are with you!
Heidi Freeby