Edith Courtney Holt

Edith Courtney Holt, age 92, of 114 North Lane, Bluefield, VA, died on Thursday, September 24, 2009 at Princeton Community Hospital. Born on November 14, 1916, in McDowell County, she was a daughter of the late Fred F. and Ella Bourne Courtney. She was a graduate of Concord College and was a retired school teacher who taught for 39 years in Mercer, McDowell, and Tazewell Counties until 1979. She was a member of the Brushfork United Methodist Church where she was active in the adult choir and the Women’s group. Mrs. Holt was also a life member of the West Virginia Education Association and a resident of Mercer County most of her life. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Mrs. Holt was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ella Courtney, her husband of 47 years, Ercel Franklin Holt; her sister, Beatrice Rakestraw; and her brother-in-law, W. Raymond Rakestraw. Survivors: Daughter: Barbara Holt Francis and husband James of Bluefield, VA Grandchildren: Fred A. Francis and wife Kathy of Johnson City, TN Kathy Francis Poe and husband Danny of Williamsburg, VA Linda K. Dotson and husband Kenneth of Campbellsville, KY Lisa A. Francis of Lebanon, VA Great-Grandchildren: Amy Francis Tester, Jamie Francis, David Poe, Steven Poe, Matthew Poe, Jacob Dotson, Jenna Dotson Stevens, Jonathan Dotson, and Julia Dotson. Step-Great-Grandchildren: Alex and Rebekah Lay 5 great-great-grandchildren Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 2:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, WV with Rev. Chris Arveson officiating. Entombment will follow at the Woodlawn Mausoleum in Bluewell. Serving as pallbearers will be Gary Rakestraw, Fred Francis, Danny Poe, David Poe, Steven Poe, Matthew Poe, and Jamie Francis. Friends may call on Sunday afternoon from 1:00 – 2:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.