Laverne (Holland) Holt

Laverne Holt, 86, of Sullivan, MO, (formerly of Poplar Bluff, MO) passed away due to COVID Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan.

Laverne (Holland) Holt was born in Grandin, Missouri, February 20, 1934, to the late Charles and Edith (Tipton) Holland. She was the eighth of nine children.  Laverne loved to tell stories of her childhood days, growing up with her sisters, brothers, and numerous friends in the small town of Grandin. When she was eleven years old, her brother brought home a new friend, Bob Holt.  Laverne would tell how she peeked out, saw the new boy, and right then and there decided she would marry him.  She was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Joseph Holt on January 12, 1952 in Osceola, Arkansas. At the time, Bob was enlisted in the United States Air Force and was due to be shipped out to France, so Laverne and Bob headed to Arkansas because she was a month shy of her 18th birthday, a requirement in Missouri.

Laverne was a devoted wife to Bob and a cheerful, loving mother to her three children: Rob, Kelly, and Barry.  During Bob's time in the service, they lived in five different states.  Each time Bob was sent overseas, Laverne returned to Poplar Bluff to be near her family. When Bob retired from the Air Force, the family settled in Poplar Bluff, where Laverne continued to live for over 40 years.

When her youngest started grade school, Laverne began her 20-year career as a lunch lady at O'Neal Elementary School, a job she truly loved. Laverne enjoyed bowling, and she and Bob were on numerous bowling leagues throughout their lives.  She also loved to cook, and she was known for her extraordinary sweet tooth.

Laverne came to Sullivan in 2018 to be near her daughter, Kelly.  She lived at Victorian Place of Sullivan where she was loved and treated like family.

Laverne gave her life to the Lord as a child.  Most of all Laverne loved her family.  Her husband, children, sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews were her everything.  She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and sense of humor.  This beloved member of our family will be missed and held in our hearts forever.

Laverne is survived by daughter Kelly Sohn, and husband Carl, of Sullivan MO; son Barry Holt, and wife Teresa, of Columbus MS; granddaughter Andrea Breitigan, and husband Chris, of Columbus MS; grandson Robert Holt, and wife Lauren, of Beebe AR; great-grandson Tristan Breitigan of Columbus MS; and sister, Dormilee Rush of St. Peters MO.  In addition, Laverne leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Holt; her son, Rob Holt; her daughter-in-law, Helen Holt; her four sisters: Naomi Jones, Edna Parr, Lois Wesley, and Eleanor Langton; and her three brothers: Clyde Holland, Bill Holland, and Art Holland.

Instead of flowers Laverne would want you to please express your love to those you value and perhaps share some chocolate with them.  If you wish to contribute to a local charity:  a food pantry, an animal shelter, or something special to your heart, please do so and state, “This is in honor of the generous spirit of Laverne.”

In light of the current COVID-19 crisis, a private family graveside committal service will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Poplar Bluff, Missouri where she will be placed next to her loving husband and son.