Martha Brown Holsted, 75, passed away peacefully at home on October 18, 2024. She was born in 1949 to Bert and Elsie Brown in North Little Rock, Arkansas. She graduated from NLRHS in 1967 and Hendrix College in 1971. She was a life-long reader and an avid birder and gardener who nurtured everyone she met. Everywhere she went, she made a difference and left things better than she found them. She gave her heart to Christ as a young woman and loved and cared for His creation and His children for the rest of her life.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her beloved grandmother, Della LeMay. She is survived by her high school sweetheart of 55 years, Jay Frank Holsted; daughter Sarah Holsted (David Millman); son David (Jennifer); grandson, Jackson; borrowed grandson, Robbie Wagstaff; sister, Margaret (Ricky Adcock); and a host of extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, 10 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 8300 Kanis Road, Little Rock 72204. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church Food Pantry (1723 Schaer Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114) or the Arkansas Hospice Foundation (https://www.arkansashospice.org/foundation).
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
11 Comments
So very sorry for your loss. It was such a delight growing up to go see our cousins in North Little Rock. Martha and Margret were so much fun for us to visit. Prayers to all of you
Martha was a beautiful and an amazing woman inside and out. She was a loving inspiration for all of the years that I’ve known her. She will be greatly missed by all on this earth but we know she is at peace resting in Gods presence and arms. Prayers for the family.
My favorite early memories of living in Hot Springs Village was meeting Jay & Martha and becoming a member of Village Bible Church. Martha’s sense of humor was spot on and her laughter was infectious. Martha always made me feel like I belonged. I don’t think Martha knew what an impact she had on me those early days. I am honored that God placed her in my midst and brought me so much joy. What a blessing!
Martha was always a joy to be around. We will miss her sharing this earth with us but oh what joy for her to see Jesus face to face!
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends who loved Martha. Years have passed since I’ve seen her, but will always remember her sweet spirit and love for the Lord.
Martha was a dear and wonderful neighbor and friend. She was a very special lady. Loved her. I will miss her.
Martha is a flower,
That emits loving and friendly scents wherever she is,
That knows no stranger when she presents her besuty,
Inside and outside and in between,
That gives the world more good flavor in the air,
And more moist for goodness to grow.
As I say Goodbye,
I know that heaven now has her
And all she brings to there,
Somewhere now I fear less to enter.
This was a WONDERFUL person for sure!! She will be missed but her influence on the world remains!!
Jay, I am so sorry to hear about Martha. She was such a sweet person. My prayers are with you and your family.
I have not gotten to see Martha in years but I’ll never forget the loving care that she and Jay surrounded me with when my husband passed away in 2003. At a time that I needed guidance and protection Martha and Jay were right there. Jay, I’m so sorry because I know you will miss her terribly. God bless you.
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Martha. We, the Utter family, were indeed charmed and encouraged by her warmth and helpfulness in the early 90’s when first moving to Hot Springs Village as a young family on staff at Village Bible Church. We know that in each and every hour and day ahead, ou dearr Loving and Merciful Lord God will comfort Jay and their children and extended family members. We extend our love, thoughts, and prayers to you as you grieve this enormous loss. With joy, we shall once again meet beyond the river…in His House, where no sorrow will ever be experienced again.
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