March 9, 1946- November 27, 2025
Kathleen Anne (Childress) Holt, age 79, passed away peacefully on one of her favorite days of the year, Thanksgiving, November 27, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Â
Born on March 9, 1946, in Houston, Texas, to the late William Charles Childress and Annetta Laurie Parker, Kathleen was a loving mother, dedicated wife, impactful teacher, involved church member, and proud Texan. She grew up in Pearland, Texas, where she spent her childhood surrounded by her fun-loving cousins and siblings. She could light up the room with her smile and infectious laughter. She had a genuine love for people and made lifelong friendships which endure to this day.
A 1964 graduate of Pearland High School, she was Homecoming Queen and played the flute in the marching band. In 1966 she was Miss Alvin Junior College. From there, she went on to earn a BS in Education from the University of Houston in 1968. Her first teaching job was at Westwood Elementary School in Friendswood, Texas. Her fourth grade students affectionately knew her as “Mrs. K. Holt,” and she forever referred to them as “my little fourth graders,” no matter their age.
On August 9,1969, she married John Dennis “Denny” Holt. In 1972, they moved to Friendswood, which was home for the next 53 years. She was deeply involved in all aspects of Friendswood life, including organizing the July 4th parade, running election campaigns and helping design the Friendswood flag. From 1992 to 1998, she was Director of the Bay Area Volunteer Center, promoting volunteer opportunities with programs like “A visit from Saint Nick.”
Kathleen’s deep faith in Christ impacted her friends, family, and community. For over 50 years, she faithfully served Friendswood Methodist Church in many roles – teacher, tireless leader, faithful servant, prayer warrior. Her service in the prayer ministry is a legacy that continues to this day.
Kathleen loved family visits and get-togethers. She loved vacations – road trips to Bar Harbor and coastal Spain and Portugal, the beach (any beach), tubing on the Comal, Rome, Paris, London, Costa Rica and the Holy Land. In retirement, her genealogy research took her many places – to England in search of family history and to late-night memorial church services at the Alamo. She was an active member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the Alamo Descendant Defenders Association, and the Descendants of the Gonzales Immortal 32.
She is survived by Denny Holt, her husband of 56 years, son Adam William Holt, brother Charles Clay Childress, nephews Clint Childress, Chad Collins, and Nathan Holt, nieces Stacey (Childress) Meyer, Mandy (Childress) Kelley, and Brandy (Collins) Hart, as well as many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Services will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Friendswood Methodist Church (110 North Friendswood Drive). The family will receive visitors at 10 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11 AM. A reception will be in Wesley Hall immediately after the service. A graveside service will be held at Southpark Cemetery at 2pm (1310 North Main St. Pearland, TX).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider making a donation to Hope Village or Texas EquuSearch.
20 thoughts on “Kathleen Anne (Childress) Holt”
I will miss Kathleen tremendously. Kathleen and Denny took me in and comforted and supported me at a time that I was in great need. My Mike was born in Texas and feels as close to this family as any can be.
Kathleen was the life of the party and was loved by every member of our close family! She fit right in immediately.
It feels like a light has gone out!
Kathleen was one of the first to welcome me to Friendswood Methodist Church as a newcomer to Texas. She and I loved making contact at our Refresh senior group activities. She loved our church, and her faith radiated in her countenance. She was a precious soul who enriched this community.
Kathleen’s brother Manny and wife Janet, daughter’s Shana and Amanda send our sincere condolences.
Kathleen’s brother Manny and wife Janet daughter’s Shana and Amanda send our sincere condolences 🙏
Our encore condolences to Adam and Denny and all of Kathleen’s beautiful family. She now rests in the palm of His hand.
Georgann and Fred Wrinkle
Our encore condolences to Adam and Denny and all of Kathleen’s beautiful family. She now rests in the palm of His hand.
Georgann and Fred Wrinkle
Our sincere condolences to Adam and Denny and all of Kathleen’s beautiful family. She now rests in the palm of His hand.
Sending our deepest condolences
Manny Childress wife Janet and daughter’s Shana and Amanda
Manny Janet and our girls Shana and Amanda are sending love and prayers for Denny and Adam
Mrs. Holt was such a special person — kind, gracious, and full of love. I’ll never forget how she supported and guided me through my confirmation years ago and remained such a wonderful example of kindness and faith throughout my life. Her faith and compassion touched everyone around her and left a lasting mark on my heart. My love and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Kathleen Holt was so full of kindness, smiles, and warmth. I am honored to have known her for so many years. Peace and love to her family and friends as they wade through the grief of losing her.
As a former roommate of Adam’s, I always enjoyed visits from the Holts. They included me in family dinners and Mrs. Holt was always a joy to spend time with. The Light of Christ shone brightly through her. My sincere condolences to Adam and Mr. Holt. May the Good Shepherd comfort you in this time of loss.
We will all miss Kathleen. Her life was filled with friends, family and accomplishments. Kathleen had the gift of making all those who knew her feel as though they were a special friend. We were privileged to enjoy her calm and caring demeanor, brilliant smile and good humor;loved to hear her laugh. Our deepest condolences on her passing.
Sincerely, Linda and Pat Mcdowell
Dear Adam , Denny and family,
We will all miss Karhleen. Her life was full of friends, family and accomplishments. Kathleen had the gift of making everyone who knew her feel as though they were a special friend. We were privileged to enjoy her calm demeanor, brilliant smile and good humor; loved to hear her laugh.
Our deepest condolences on her passing.
Sincerely,
Linda and Pat Mcdowell
Mrs Holt was an amazing woman, thru all the years of growing up with Adam she was always there contributing and being a helping hand. She will be greatly missed, rest peacefully Mrs. Holt.
Still hard to believe that our beautiful, smart, kind and sweet cousin has passed. We lived less than a mile from Kathleen in Brookside for many years and later Maryann and I lived close to Kathleen and Denny in Friendswood. My brother and I spent many days playing football in the Childress’ front yard with her brothers. We were so proud when she was named Homecoming Queen during her senior year at PHS. Kathleen was the oldest girl cousin out of 25 cousins on my Mom’s side of the family and the first cousin to graduate from college. Kathleen was always the first to organize our family gatherings and loved to research and talk about our ancestors. Her ancestry.com tree had over 6000 entries. She was a volunteer Lamaze trainer at S. E. Memorial and taught Maryann and I when our daughter was born. She called me at least once a month to check on us and I am sure she called all the other cousins regularly too. She never complained nor dwelled about her own health issues and always wanted make sure we were doing ok. She was so proud of Adam’s teaching career and Denny’s career with Nasa and I know they were proud of all her volunteer Friendswood community and church activities. We loved her and will miss her so much. Adam and Denny, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace sweet Cousin Kathleen.
Kathleen was genuinely beautiful, inside and out. The last time I was lucky enough to run into her was at The Shepherd’s Nook, where she volunteered. I’m grateful for that mini-reunion and pray that her sweet family is comforted by their wonderful memories. May she rest in eternal peace.
To Adam and Denny
I’m so so sorry for your loss, it’s a shock when it came to me by Facebook I guess should say thank you for putting there. I remember Mrs. Kathleen at so many MYF get together at your house. She was so kind to me because I was so shy. I just remember her taking a role with everything when it came to church and how she jumped in wherever she was needed. I pray for the peace and healing over the next few months. Just remember she is our angel watching down on all of us
Love in Christ
She was always so kind and always had a smile.
In the 1970’s, we were neighbors with Kathleen and Denny in Friendswood’s Village Green. In July of 1979, a tropical storm dropped too much rain. We flooded, but fortunately they did not. About 20 neighbors showed up at their doorstep and ended up spending the night. Kathleen and Denny were very gracious and kind.
Betty, Chuck, Bill, Carol, and Regina Deiterich