Jearildene Mae Holman

Jearildene Mae Holman

Ava, Missouri

Jearildene Mae Holman, 86 years, 1 month, 16 days old, went home to Heaven on February 1, 2026 at her home with all her family by her side.

Jearildene was born December 16, 1939 in Rockbridge, MO to Thomas Cleo and Louella Mae (Clark) Gunter.

Jearildene grew up in Ozark County, MO. She attended the Lower Brixey school. At age 60, she went back to school and earned her GED just to prove to herself she could.

On April 27, 1962, Jearildene and Jackie Lee Holman were united in marriage in Ava, MO and together were blessed with a daughter, Peggy Sue, who later married Jody Porter, her all time favorite son-in-law.

She absolutely adored her grandchildren, Lyndsey (Tim) and Nathan. But, she thought her great grandaughters, Emmalynn and Blayse Reese, absolutely “hung the moon.”

Jearildene was a hard-working farm wife when her daughter was young. Later, she worked at Emerson Electric for 18 years until her retirement. After her time at Emerson, she was back home often feeding farm hands and taking care of her grandchildren, Lyndsey and Nathan.

She was a talented gardener. Her flowers and garden were always beautiful and productive. She also loved to cook for anyone who found their way around her kitchen table. There they would find her specialties of fried potatoes, biscuits and gravy, pies and cobblers, and a pot of coffee.

She was a Christian and a member of the Ava General Baptist Church where her family attended and led.

In 2022, representative Travis Smith graciously had the State Legislature pass a resolution honoring them for 60 years of marriage, a honor that they both treasured.

She adored her family and since the passing of her husband, Jackie, she lived in her home on the farm with her family as they took loving care of her. Her days were full of joy because of them and the Lord.

Jearildene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jackie; one brother, Dallas and one sister, Donna.

She is survived by her daughter and husband, Peggy and Jody Porter; two grandchildren, Lyndsey and Tim Reese, and Nathan Porter; two great granddaughters, Emmalynn and Blayse Reese; siblings, Tommy Gunter and Carrie Ann Berry; nieces; nephews; extended family and friends.

Funeral services for Jearildene will be Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, MO with burial following in the Ava Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service.

Officiating will be Pastor Tim Reese. Memorials may be made to Ava General Baptist Church.