
Obituary of Lois Evelyn Graves Holbert
Lois Evelyn Graves Holbert, 97, passed away on January 29, 2025. She was born May 28, 1927 the daughter of the late Archie and Blanche McDougal Graves. She married James C. Holbert on March 27, 1948. They shared a life long journey of love for 66 years until his death in 2015.
She leaves her children Jim (Collette) Holbert, Polly Holbert Steele, Steven Holbert (Bev White), and David (Lisa) Holbert. She was a devoted grandmother to Andy Steele, Sarah Steele (Bryan Morris), Josh (Heather) Holbert, Casey (Ben) Thrush, Jessica (John) Julian, Adam (Chelsea) Holbert and Natalya Holbert. She was a great-grandmother of Anthony and Dominick Julian; Allison and Mary Thrush; Arthur Morris; Jack, Will, and Charlie Holbert; Caleb and Brody Holbert. She will also be missed by her sister-in-law, Francis Graves, as well as many nieces and nephews who each felt a special bond with her.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Wayne Graves and wife Maxine, brother Lowell Graves, daughter-in-law Jody Holbert and son-in-law Larry Steele.
Lois’ family loved and adored her. She was fondly called “Command Central” because she was so interested in each of their lives and could tell you what everyone was up to. The home she and Jimmy built was filled with love, laughter and wonderful memories.
She spent most of her childhood growing up in Blacksville, WV where she formed wonderful friendships. Lois attended Fairmont State College and was a member of the Gamma Chi Chi sorority. After she and Jimmy moved to Bridgeport, she was a 60+ year member of Simpson Creek Baptist Church and there she was a member of the Lora D. Kirby Circle alongside her most treasured friends. Music was very important to her. She sang in the choir, played the piano for the children’s Sunday School and participated in the Hand Bell Choir.
As her life came to a close, Lois faced health challenges but met these times with grace and strength. It was at her stay in Harmony of White Oaks that she met and enjoyed the “Golden Girls” friends.
No words can fully describe how much she will be missed, but her influence will remain with each of us always. Her faith, family and love represent a life well lived.
Memorial contributions be made in Lois’ memory to Simpson Creek Baptist Church, 231 West Philadelphia Ave., Bridgeport, WV 26330.
The family has entrusted arrangements to Ford Funeral Home, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport. Friends will be received on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon at Simpson Creek Baptist Church, Bridgeport. A service of remembrance will take place in the church at 12 noon with Reverend Dr. Sean Wegener officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Bridgeport Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.