Esther Lee Holt Bible

Esther Lee Holt Bible, age 84 of Newport, (Affectionately known as Mamaw to her family and friends) entered into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday evening, January 28, 2009. She was born on April 20, 1924 in Cocke County on the farm of her grandfather, Aden Holt. Predeceased by parents, Darius Holt and Martha Ann Lindsey Holt; brothers, John Burnett Holt, Austin Seaward Holt and Gerald Holt; sisters, Mary Agnes Holt Hayslett, and Virginia Lois Holt Smith; brothers-in-law, Vreeland Hayslett, Harold Smith, David Shields Bible and Thomas Carroll Bible; and sister-in-law, Ortelle Holt. Survived by: her loving, faithful and caring husband of 66 years, Franklin C. Bible of the home; her daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Jack Presnell, of Newport; her son and daughter-in-law, David and Dyann Bible of Newport; grandsons, Todd Presnell and wife, Stephanie of Brentwood, TN, John David Bible and wife Brandi of Newport, Chad Presnell and wife Faith of Knoxville, TN, and Dana Lewis Bible of Newport; great-grandchildren, William Franklin Presnell, Elise Kathryn Presnell, Jackson Miller Presnell, Bryson Grant Presnell, Madylyn Grace Bible and Colson Andrew Presnell; also survived by her sister-in-law, Juanita Bible; and many nieces and nephews. She attended school at the old fairground and finished elementary school at Newport Grammar. She graduated in 1945 from Cocke County High School, married her sweetheart, Franklin Bible, on July 13, 1942, in Greenville, S.C. She began her career with the Cocke County School Systems in 1945, when the late W.N. Denton, who was board member in the 3rd district, recommended her to teach at Holt's School. Lagretta C. Parrott, a former teacher, was superintendent of schools at the time. A clerical position became available, and Mr. Denton told her about it. She later became bookkeeper for the Cocke County Board of Education, serving under Superintendents Lagretta C. Parrott, E.G. Bryant, Beth Ogle Freeman, James Everett Freshour, and Charlie Seehorn, until her retirement on April 30, 1987. She taught Sunday school for many years at Clay Creek Baptist Church and Bybee United Methodist Church. After joining West End Baptist Church, she immediately became active in church work and served as secretary-treasurer of the XYZingers Sunday school class until a few years ago. She was a strong witness for the Lord in all her many kind words and deeds. She cherished the opportunity to send flowers and cards to her church family and friends. She was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her extended family and each one of them reciprocated that love. Her favorite hobby was working in the beautiful flowers surrounding her home. She loved to share her flowers with neighbors and friends. The family will be receiving friends at West End Baptist Church on Saturday, January 31, 2009 with services immediately following at 2:00 pm, with Brother Scott Gorrell and Brother Thomas E. Mooty officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Clay Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Ned Ramsey officiating prayer.

Esther Lee Holt Bible

April 20, 1924 - January 28, 2009