Helen Bailey Holt

Helen Bailey Holt passed from this life on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, while residing at Spring Creek Manor in Boise, Idaho, at the age of 81. Born on June 19, 1929, in Tuckerman, Ark., Helen was the third of four daughters born to Hosea E. Bailey and Lucy Stoner Bailey. Mr. Bailey was a rural mail carrier in Tuckerman for over forty years. After her graduation from Tuckerman High School, Helen married James R. Holt of Newport, Ark., on June 18, 1948. They were married for 17 years. Helen is predeceased by her beloved parents; and sisters, Aileen Caldwell and Louise Councilman. Helen is survived by her youngest sister, Sue Rushing of Vacaville, Calif.; and her three daughters, Nancy S. Roberts of De Soto, Mo., Janet H. Mahan of Morgan Hill, Calif., and Ann H. Sexton of Boise, Idaho, and their husbands. She leaves eight grandchildren, Chad Roberts, Mara Vervais, Kanan Mahan, Cait Engwall, Keeley Mahan, Skyler Sexton, Bailey Ross and Hunter Sexton. Helen was also blessed with six great-grandchildren, Jake, Cooper, Sophie, Leo, Owen and Celeste. A devout Christian, Helen was a faithful member of the Church of Christ. Her extended family included many gospel preachers, elders and Bible teachers. Throughout her life, she was an active member of a congregation of Christians in every community in which she resided. Many fellow Christians throughout Arkansas, Texas and California will miss her sunny smile and encouraging words, her dedication to Bible study and her beautiful singing voice. Always striving for excellence, Helen had a successful 27-year career with the Internal Revenue Service, advancing to a Grade 13 while residing in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She was a trained pianist, often playing at weddings and other social events. She also enjoyed gardening, ceramics and crossword puzzles—and being with her grandkids. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Feb. 5 at Meridian Gospel Tabernacle, 1507 Meridian Rd., Meridian, Idaho, at 11 a.m. Final disposition of Ms. Holt's earthly remains will take place in Tuckerman, Ark. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian. Condolences may be left for the family at www.accentfuneral.com. We'll miss you, beloved Mother and Mur. "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life."