Eurtistine (Martin) Holt

Eurtistine Martin Holt, age 89, peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home on the morning of Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Eurtistine was born on December 25, 1935, in Belton, South Carolina. She was the sixth of seven children born to the late Rebecca and Floyd Martin. She graduated from Geer High School in 1953 and went on to attend the illustrious Spelman College, where she earned her degree in Health and Physical Education in 1958. At Spelman College, she enjoyed attending chapel in the mornings and Vespers services on Sundays, as well as participating in the cultural events held on campus. A memorable experience for her was attending a Vespers service where Dr. Benjamin E. Mays and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke, and witnessing powerful performances by Roland Hayes and Paul Robeson on campus.

After graduating from Spelman College in May 1958, Eurtistine began her career at Wilkerson High School in Orangeburg, South Carolina, where she taught for six years. During this time, she also attended Indiana University in the summers, completing her graduate work there.

In 1964, Eurtistine relocated to New York City where she worked for the New York City Department of Education. She spent two years teaching at the junior high school level, followed by 28 years in various high schools across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. The majority of her teaching career was in Queens, where she retired in 1995 from Andrew Jackson High School.

Eurtistine met the love of her life, Edward Holt, Jr., in New York in 1966, and they were married on August 11, 1967. To this union, three daughters were born: Denise Nicole, Rebecca Renee, and Tamara Vonetta. They were also blessed with four lovely grandchildren: Nia Renee, Nyah Nicole, Niles Edward, and Nana Afia.

During her 33 years in New York, Eurtistine served on the Board of Trustees at St. Peter Claver School for approximately 20 years, and she also served there as Chairperson of the Education Committee for 10 years. She was a member of the Queens Branch of the National Association of University Women (NAUW), where she served as Financial

Secretary and was active in both the Youth Group and the Scholarship Committee. She was also a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Spelman Alumnae - New York Chapter, where she served as Corresponding Secretary for a few years. She was a strong supporter of fundraisers for Spelman and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

Eurtistine retired from the New York City Board of Education in July 1995, and relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, with husband Edward in 1997. There, they joined Zion Hill Baptist Church in Southwest Atlanta (Dr. Aaron L. Parker, Pastor) and became active members. Eurtistine served on the Trustee Board and was involved in several ministries: The Missionary Ministry, The Courtesy Guild, and The Matrons Ministry. She also served as Chaplain for The Missionary Ministry and President for the Matrons Ministry for many years.

She was an active member of the Atlanta branch of the National Association of University Women (NAUW). She served as President of the Atlanta Branch of NAUW for several terms. She chaired several committees and attended several National Conventions representing the Atlanta Branch of NAUW as its President.

She was an active member of the Atlanta branch of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College for many years. She was active on the scholarship fundraising committees, she attended social gatherings and participated in community service projects. She loved her alma mater and enjoyed giving back to her fellow Spelmanites. She was part of the Spelman College graduating class of 1958 and was proud to be a “Golden Girl”.

Eurtistine had a deep love for travel and visited most states across the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. Her international adventures took her twice to Ghana, Greece, as well as to Egypt. She enjoyed several cruises throughout the Caribbean. She also cherished family reunions, which often provided joyful opportunities to explore new places.

In her spare time, Eurtistine attended exercise classes four times a week and participated in water aerobics and line dancing. She enjoyed listening to music, attending the theatre, spending time with her family, reading self-help magazines and articles, and staying up to date on the news.

The Lord has called Eurtistine home, where she is reunited with her beloved husband, Edward Holt Jr., together again in the joy of eternal life. She leaves to delight in her memories her daughters, Denise Nicole Holt of Atlanta Georgia, Rebecca Holt-Peebles (Damon) of Atlanta, Georgia, Tamara Hunter (Amankwa) of Atlanta, Georgia; her step-daughter Adriene Allen (Carlton) (Sentel) of Smithfield, North Carolina; her grandchildren,

Nia Renee Peebles of Atlanta, Georgia, Nyah Nicole Peebles of Atlanta, Georgia, Niles Edward Holt of Atlanta, Georgia, Nana Afia Hunter of Atlanta, Georgia; her sister-in-law Alice Holt of Suitland, Maryland; her brother-in-law Carlton Holt of Wilson, North Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Eurtistine Martin Holt, daughter of the late Floyd Dupree and Rebecca Jones Martin died June 21, 2025 in Atlanta, GA surrounded by her family.  She was the widower of the late Edward Holt.  She was predeceased by her siblings, Josephine Lattimer, Theresa Lemon, Evelyn Johnson, Sara Goode, Floyd Martin and David Martin.

Surviving are three daughters, Denise Nicole, Rebecca, and Tamara, all of Atlanta'; grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of cousins and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eurtistine (Martin) Holt, please visit our floral store.