Jessie Holt Holyfield

Jessie Holt Holyfield, 100, of Rogers, Ark., died Thursday, April 11, 2013. She was born June 17, 1912, to Charles and Gertrude Lane Holt at Kingston, Ark. Jessie survived the Spanish Flu Epidemic of 1918 and recalled the World War I Armistice that was hailed by ringing of bells, shooting of anvils and singing of patriotic songs. After graduating Kingston High School, she and her sister, Ruby, attended Arkansas Tech which led to a 41-year career as a school teacher. Her work in Rogers also led to marriage and family with Richard Holyfield. Their union produced one girl that died at birth and one son, Richard Holt Holyfield. Her sunny disposition and dedication to learning are often still recounted by those she taught and loved. Application to work was not overlooked in class, however. Her positive outlook and bright spirit allowed her to achieve great age and a rich life. Among those who knew her, she will be missed. She sat in the same pew at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Rogers since 1936. Mrs. Holyfield is survived by a son, R. Holt Holyfield of Rogers; a nephew, Jim Vaughan and wife, Pat, of Hindsville, Ark.; and many cherished friends. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 14, 2013, at Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services at 2898 W. Walnut in Rogers. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 15, 2013, at Rogers Cemetery, with The Rev. Sandra Wanasek officiating. Words of comfort may be expressed or memories shared at stockdalefuneral.com.