Vicky Mae Holt

Vicky Holt passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, in Anderson, South Carolina, after spending her final days with loved ones: Tammy Smutzer, Diana Eichorst, and Lana and Phillip Addington. Vicky will be laid to rest at the M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery on December 6, 2024. A brief service is scheduled for 2 pm, led by Chaplain Mike Lincolnton from Patriots Hospice.

 Vicky was preceded in death by her parents, Bessie Dye Knickrehm and Walter Anton Knickrehm, and her brother, James Stanley Knickrehm. She is survived by her two daughters: Tammy Holt, married to Chris Smutzer, residing in Fountain Inn, SC, and their three wonderful sons, Jesse, Jordan, and Darren; and Lana Goodman Addington, married to Phillip Addington, who lives in Brock, TX, along with their two lovely daughters, Macy Addington, engaged to Austin Deras, and Kaylee Addington Smith, married to Rowdy Smith. Vicky was also a proud grandmother to her great-grandchildren: Preslee, Ryker, and Tatum.

Born in Seattle, Washington, on March 3, 1947, Vicky graduated from Cahokia High School in Cahokia, Illinois, and briefly attended McKinley College. In 1967, she became a mother at a young age, facing significant challenges that shaped her life. 

Vicky served as a Private in the Army for a short period during the Vietnam War, stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama. She was awarded the National Defense Service Medal before her honorable discharge. Vicky was extremely thankful for the veteran benefits this service provided her throughout her life.

 After her time in the Army, Vicky discovered a passion for retail sales, where she thrived on connecting with customers and making their day a little brighter. She moved to Greensboro, NC, to be near her daughter, Tammy, and later relocated to North Fort Myers to support her parents in their later years. In North Fort Myers, Vicky became an active and beloved member of Amvet 81 and American Legion 336. She found great joy in singing and dancing with her closest friends, creating cherished memories and spreading happiness wherever she went.

In 2015, Vicky was surprisingly reunited with her daughter, Lana, whom she had given up for adoption in 1970. The reunion was a blessing and life-changing for both Vicky and Lana. It filled a void in Vicky's life and heart. Not only did she gain a daughter, but also a son-in-law, two beautiful granddaughters, and three great-grandchildren. Despite the distance between them, they created a strong family bond. Vicky's generous decision to give up a child, though heartbreaking at the time, grew into a blessing for Lana's adopted family. Through Lana's search for Vicky, she gained skills that helped her become a Search Angel, assisting many other adoptees with their reunions.

In the last decade of her life, Vicky was lovingly cared for by her dear friend, Diane Eichorst. Diane stood by her through several tough health challenges, playing a crucial role in helping Vicky transition to her first assisted living home in Fort Myers. Their bond remained strong despite the distance; even after Diane moved to SC, she consistently stayed connected, calling and sending Vicky the needed items—she especially loved Walmart delivery. 

In the summer of 2021, with the help of Lana and Diane, Vicky was moved to Restoration of Westgate, an assisted living home in Spartanburg, SC, to be cared for by Tammy. Vicky cherished her time at Restoration. Although confined to her wheelchair, she was a regular at bingo and enjoyed painting, indoor volleyball, and Sunday sermons. She especially loved the live music, where she clapped to the beat and even took a spin on the dance floor when Tara Weiss, the Social Director, asked her. Tara went the extra mile to make Vicky and other residents of Restoration feel special every day.

 Vicky’s last significant move was to the Richard Campbell Veterans Nursing Home, where she was only a few miles away from Diane. Vicky loved her visits with Diane and Tammy. She was blessed with 10 months of compassionate care from the Richard Campbell staff, especially the Unit 300 team. She also appreciated the care from Patriot’s Hospice, including prayers and songs from Chaplain Mike Lincolnton. 

Vicky's kind spirit and joyful presence will be deeply missed by all who know her. Her legacy of love, generosity, and friendship will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.