Marcie Roman Holt

Marcie Roman Holt of Lake Jackson, Texas died peacefully on December 13, 2024. She had recently celebrated her 84th birthday.
Marcie was born in Kankakee, IL on November 30, 1940, to Clyde and Evelynn Roman. The Roman family moved from Illinois to Sherman, TX in 1950, so that her entrepreneur father could start Sherman Steel & Wire Co. She graduated from Sherman High School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Austin College. She pursued a career in teaching 5th Grade in the early 1980's after her children were older.
While at Austin College, Marcie met Gerald Holt. They married on June 9, 1962, and moved to Kansas City, MO where Gerald finished dental school. In 1965, Marcie and Gerald moved to Lake Jackson, TX where they became an integral part of the town and medical community while raising their 4 children. In 1973, Marcie and Gerald left Lake Jackson to prepare to be foreign missionaries and served in Barranquilla, Colombia after language training in San Jose, Costa Rica. They returned to Lake Jackson in 1979. After retirement, Marcie and Gerald moved back to Sherman, TX for 7 years and returned to Lake Jackson in 2022.
In the early Lake Jackson years, Marcie was a charter member of the Lake Jackson Service League where she supported memorable fundraisers and events including "Santa's Helper", transition to the "new" Lake Jackson Museum, the Heart Association Ball and opening the Bargain Box. Life-long friends remember Marcie as the "creative mind" behind many of the social event themes and decorations.
On the foreign mission field, Marcie's compassion and adaptability were apparent. She filled key needs at the Baptist hospital, opened their home to nationals and expats alike, led Bible studies, coordinated teen ministry, participated in clinics for the impoverished, and had a meaningful ministry to young U.S. women who were in prison for drug trafficking. When fellow missionaries were missing life in the U.S., she was partnering with friends to inject turkeys with butter to recreate a "Butterball" for a Thanksgiving feast or putting together a 4th of July celebration.
Marcie loved teaching 5th Grade for over 20 years and was known for her strict classroom management, hatred of the color purple, and engagement of the kids. Countless former students have shared what an impact she had on their lives. Fellow teachers became life-long friends and received her encouragement and "counseling" in both their professional and private lives.
Marcie's life was shaped by her love for Jesus Christ and her passion to serve others. Always vocal about her faith, she was a gifted Bible teacher and speaker while having a consistent witness of her personal relationship with Christ. She had the gifts of encouragement and hospitality and used those to serve others inside and outside her home. So many remember the meals she prepared for a sick neighbor or friend; the letter she wrote with biblical counsel or encouragement; the amazing way she could create an impromptu meal at any hour of the day or night; or the impact she had on the trajectory of a life because she shared her faith and wisdom in an engaging way. Her grandchildren couldn't wait to see "Nana" because dinners were served on pretty plates with candlelight; there would be full candy jars; gifts of toys or clothes; crafts or activities planned; and always the opportunity to help in the kitchen and receive cooking lessons. Because she kept up with details in everyone's life, she was the best encourager and "cheerleader".
Always active, Marcie's spare time was never spent on herself. She accomplished more and had more energy than most people you'd ever meet and often commented she was "running 100 mph". Family was her priority, and she proudly (often loudly) supported every activity and endeavor possible for each of her children and grandchildren. The common argument among her kids was that they were the favorite because each one felt like they were. Her active faith in Christ, her investment in her family, and sacrificial love and devotion will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
With a personality that was a "force of nature", she led or contributed to countless community, school, church and family events and projects. Marcie had exceptional artistic talents which she used to decorate cakes (including beautiful wedding cakes and themed groom's cakes) and paint (wall art, framed art, objects and china). She could sew beautifully and tackle anything "crafty" with a professional flare, so family and friends benefited from her creative work on DIY projects from curtains to flower arrangements. Marcie was also a great cook who prepared amazing food (often without a recipe so the family may or may not have gotten to enjoy it again!).
Lastly, Marcie was a "gatherer of people". Long-time friends from childhood to early Lake Jackson days still felt connected until her later years. She especially loved her Monday "Lunch Bunch" ladies. Her children's spouses and friends became her "adopted kids" and often got the same "motherly advice" and support she gave her own kids. She forged friendships with her son-in-law's and daughter-in-law's families, and she loved her brothers and their families dearly and worked to stay connected.
Marcie is survived by her husband of 62 years, Dr. Gerald Holt, Jr. To know them was to know how special their relationship was. She is also survived by her children Patti (John) Weaver, Drew (Allison) Holt, Beth (John) Bryson, and Ben (Kim) Holt. She was the very proud "Nana" of 14 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter: Andrew Holt, Margaret (Cory) Crow, Bobby (Madison) Weaver, Laura (Carter) Herring, Brooke Bryson, Georgia Holt, Beck Bryson, Bo Bryson, Blakely Bennett, Evelynn Holt, Boss Bryson, Blair Bryson, Roman Holt, Bayne Bryson, and Emma Crow. Marcie is also survived by her brothers John (Rhonda) Roman, C.H. "Buzz" (Linda) Roman, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandson Gerald Holt, III.
A service celebrating Marcie's life will be held at ten o'clock on the morning of Friday, January 17th at Covenant Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Lake Jackson with Rev. Dr. Alan Trafford officiating. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the church Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Marcie's honor to your charity of choice.