Janie Lou Holt

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Janie Lou Holt, a beloved grandmother, mother, and entrepreneur. She peacefully departed on April 28, 2024, at Springs of Broadway in West Memphis, Arkansas, leaving behind a legacy of elegance, grace, and unwavering love.

Janie, born to Anna Mae Duren and BF Gobbell, embodied strength and resilience from a tender young age. She marched for women’s rights in Washington D.C. and was a long time member of Hohenwald Church of Christ where she also taught Sunday school. In her early years she was a top sales agent for Pyramid Life Insurance company. She also worked for many of her adult years as a cook on a Riverboat before opening her Merle Norman boutique.

Owning and operating her loved boutique in Lewisburg, Janie mentored many and radiated warmth with her gift of gab and sociable nature. Beyond business, she was a devoted family matriarch, fostering lively conversations and cherished memories with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents, brother Frank Gobbell Jr., son Larry Wayne Holt, grandson William Andrew Holt, and great-grandson Robert Lee Chandler III, Janie is survived by her sister Joyce Gobbell, brother Jerry Gobbell (Judy), daughter Linda Rushing (Otis), daughter-in-law Betty Holt, grandsons Chris Holt and Michael Rushing (Lindsey), granddaughters Tracie Carter (Tray) and Lindsey White (Chance), twelve great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Though she may no longer be with us, Janie’s spirit lives on in the hearts she touched. A private graveside service was held on May 1, 2024. “Until we meet again.”