Billie Joyce Holt, 91 of Center, left us for Heaven on Monday morning, July 13, 2020. She was born January 15, 1929 in the Campti Community to Roy Thomas Bright and Essie Callendar Bright. She was a devout member of First Baptist Church in Center and attended the same Sunday School Class for more than 50 years. 

Services for Billie will be Thursday, July 16th at 2pm at Watson and Son’s Chapel with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park. Bro. Bobby Bressman of First Baptist Church officiating. 

The oldest of four children, Billie graduated from Shelbyville High School and in March 1947 married Grady Holt. They were married for 52 years. They lived several years in Palestine while Grady worked in the oil field before moving back to Center permanently. 

Billie made her life as a homemaker, raising two children and assisting her mother with her two younger siblings Glenda and Robert after a car accident claimed the life of their father. Her home was filled with unconditional love and open to all who needed her. She was our prayer warrior and we will miss her terribly. 

When not with her family, she spent much of her free time painting or playing dominoes on Sunday afternoons at the home of Bobbie Nutt, her dear friend of 60 years.
Billie was a talented painter, a skill she cultivated later in life. Her oil paintings cover nearly every wall in her home. Now her numerous works of art are left to be treasured by her family. 
Billie is survived by two children – Charles Holt and wife Henri Ann of Port Orchard, Washington; and daughter Lourie Ihlo and husband Billy of Center. 

Grandchildren – Jack Wisener and wife Amy of Joplin, Missouri; Todd Holt of Seattle, Washington; Clay Ihlo and wife Heather of Center; Hillary Ihlo of Gary.
Great grandchildren – Tyffanie Rogers and husband Wade of Joplin, Missouri; Jakob Wisener and wife Hailey of Joplin, Missouri; Mollie Moore and Liam Ihlo
Four great-great grandchildren – Oliver, Emma, Eli Rogers; and Everly Wisener
Sister-in-laws – Jeanette Bright of Center; Joyce Bright of Livingston
Special first cousin – Evelyn Hughes of Campti
Numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Roy T Bright and Essie Bright Murphy, husband Grady Holt, and siblings Earl Bright, Glenda Cordova, Robert Bright.

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com