Virginia Irene Carnes McLeroy Holt, 96, of Eatonton, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025.
Irene was born July 6, 1929, in Eatonton, Georgia, to the late S. T. “Billy” and Mattie Linch Carnes.
After graduating from Eatonton High School, she worked for her father in his little local restaurant, where she met a handsome soldier returning from the war.
After striking up a courtship, they married and began raising their family in Eatonton. Both Irene and Bob McLeroy worked at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. She was the Center’s Food Service Director, and he was the head of their maintenance department. After Bob’s tragic death at Rock Eagle, Irene continued working there as the head of food operations, where she devoted her life, skills, and love to the place that became her second home.
In 1963, Irene married John Jennings (Johnny) Holt, Jr., and they built their home and life together while raising Eddie and Kaye. They were among the founding families of Gatewood Schools.
They loved to travel together to the coast in their plane, taking off from their airstrip in the field behind their house.
They loved gardening, cooking together, and entertaining friends.
After 37 years of dedicated service to The University of Georgia and Rock Eagle 4-H Center, she retired in 1993 to devote time to her family and other interests.
Irene faithfully served her church, The First Methodist Church of Eatonton, where she was an active member of the Robinson Dance Sunday School Class and the Women’s Night Circle, serving on various committees.
Irene was also one of the founding members of the Uncle Remus Golf Course. She was an active Putnam General Hospital Auxiliary member, where she gave her time and talents to serve as a Pink Lady. She also devoted her time to the Putnam County Superior Court, where she served as a Bailiff for many years.
Irene had varied interests, which included cooking and baking, playing cards, bingo, and dominoes, and traveling and socializing with her friends, lovingly called “The Golden Girls.” She was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves and the Georgia Bulldogs. As a season ticket holder for more than thirty years, she enjoyed tailgating and cheering on the Dawgs with her closest friends.
She had a reputation at Sanford Stadium for her delicious fried chicken and pimento cheese!
Friends aside, her most treasured times were those spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Irene is preceded in death by her loving parents; her two brothers, Carlton Carnes and Linwood Carnes; and three sisters, Florence Carnes Embry, Dorothy Ann “Dot” Carnes Lundy, and Frances Carnes Allen. She is also preceded in death by her husbands, Robert William “Bob” McLeroy, and John Jennings (Johnny) Holt, Jr., and stepson Jerrold Keith (Jerry) Holt.
Her legacy lives on through her three children, Robert Edward “Eddie” McLeroy (Ann) of Eatonton, Ga.; Kaye McLeroy Copelan (Jesse) of Eatonton, Ga.; and Johnny Jennings Holt, III (Connie) of Buckhead, Ga.; grandsons, Bill McLeroy, Chad McLeroy and Johnny Jennings Holt, IV; granddaughter, Lori Holt; great grandchildren, Jillian McLeroy, Stella Palmer, Piper McLeroy, Erika Holt Stolley, Emily Holt, Tad Holt, Marlee Samuels and Aubrey Samuels; greatgreat grandchildren, Copelan Holt, Eleanor Holt, Colbie Stolley and Addison Leverett, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Irene also had many sweet personal caregivers at The Harbor Assisted Living who became like family to her. She was also lovingly cared for in her final years by a few special “Angels” whom she loved dearly, Risa Soloman, Sharmeka Cunningham, Tlisa Wynn, Mary Robinson, Faye Chester, and Jan Lewis.
The family received friends at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in the Historic Sanctuary of Eatonton First Methodist Church, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.
Afterwards, the graveside service was held at Eatonton Memorial Park (across from the National Guard Armory).
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Eatonton First Methodist Church, Rock Eagle 4-H Center, or Gatewood Schools.
To express condolences and sign the guest book, please visit www.williamsfuneral.net. Williams Funeral Home of Eatonton has charge of arrangements.