WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — Patti Lynn Holt, 66, became the life of heaven’s party on July 10, 2024.
Even before her birth on March 10, 1958, in Abingdon, Virginia, Patti brought thrill and adventure into every life she touched, starting with her parents, Reverend Henry Jett Holt Jr. and Doris Jean Holt. Perhaps in an attempt to bridle her exuberant spirit, she became a big sister to Beth Holt McCurdy and Paige Holt.
Her family fostered a deep love for animals, travel and art that would continue to grow throughout Patti’s life. With the exception of an unfortunate event in which Patti blew up her school’s brand-new science lab, she always excelled in school, both in arts and sciences.
After graduating from Pulaski County High School in 1976, she attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. There Patti met her first roommate, Jane Wells, and the two started a friendship they would navigate until the very end. They decided to maintain a long-distance friendship when Patti transferred to Emory University’s School of Nursing, where she gained both critical nursing skills and captivating memories, particularly during her time in the neonatal unit and the emergency room. Patti was honored to be the attending nurse at the birth of her niece, Gray McCurdy Kephart- the first of many adventures they shared. Wanting to experience life to the fullest, nursing was only the first of many careers Patti pursued throughout her life.
Patti graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1989 and served her communities for many years as a medical malpractice attorney and as a family law mediator. On many occasions Patti said her favorite vocation was teaching, as she homeschooled her twin daughters, Abigail and Hayley Grassler, for three years. Given her vast interests Patti also considered careers such as veterinary medicine, being a flight attendant and working as a travel writer – we hope she will explore these loves in her next life.
While Patti was exceptionally bright and experienced successes across these diverse fields, she had a true gift for hosting. Whether the event was Bunco night for the neighborhood, a prom after-party for her daughters and their friends, a flotilla viewing party for her Wrightsville Beach community, or yappy hour for her dog Belle, Patti’s parties perfectly fit the occasion. Patti also quickly became the life of any party she attended and created an immense network of close friends as a result.
Although seemingly eclectic, these talents, interests and accomplishments all highlight Patti’s lifelong mission to help those around her build and celebrate a holistically fulfilled life. The ultimate fulfillment of this calling was through her unwavering love and advocacy of her family. Until the very end Patti fiercely championed her vision for those she loved most, including her daughters, their father, Frank Grassler, and her loving partner of six years, Jim White.
Patti’s family on earth is celebrating her reunion with her parents and grandparents.
Her unyielding love will endure for eternity and will continue to reveal itself in new ways, but her fiery red hair and beaming smile will be missed.
