Kathy J. Holman's Obituary
Decatur – Kathy J. Holman, 74, of Decatur, passed away peacefully in her
home with family by her side on Friday, August 1, 2025. She was born on October 9, 1950, in Decatur, IL the daughter of James T. and Patsy Mae (Anderson) Bailey. She was a graduate of MacArthur High School – Class of 1968. Kathy Jo married Lloyd R. Holman at First United Methodist in Decatur, IL on June 7, 1969, and they shared a beautiful life and daughter together.
Kathy Jo was a huge Elvis Presley fan, and it was rumored that she almost canceled a party in 1977 because Elvis died within days of her daughter’s birthday. Kathy worked as a secretary in Orthopedics at Decatur Memorial Hospital for 21 years, retiring in 2010. Kathy or “Aunt Jody” as she was adoringly nicknamed, was an animal lover. She had a special knack for providing a safe space for neighborhood cats including her most recent rescues Bobby Socks, Patches & Sophie. She was known by the neighborhood dogs as the lady with treats in her pockets, so she was always prepared to make friends with a new furry friend. The family lost count of the number of times she has read and reread all of Steven King’s novels. Known for her wicked sense of humor and unconditional love of children, Kathy scheduled regular lunch dates or “Girls’ Day” as they were referred to with her daughter Danika, niece Courtney and mother, until Patsy’s passing in 2012. Kathy Jo kept the luncheon tradition alive and allowed only one new member: Deaken, her great-nephew.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Lloyd of Decatur; daughter Danika Holman of Decatur; niece Courtney (Johnathon) Barter and their son, Kathy’s great-nephew Deaken; brother Timothy J. Bailey and aunt Pam Anderson. She also leaves behind sisters-in-law Randy (David) Schmidt of West Lafayette, IN and Barbara Sulwer of Decatur and brother-in-law David Holman of Dalton City. Aunt Jody will be greatly missed by 8 nieces & nephews, 16 great-nieces & nephews and 9 great-great nieces & nephews. She will always be remembered as a steady fixture at family gatherings, extracurricular school activities, dance recitals and graduations.
Kathy Jo was preceded in death by her grand-parents; Fairy (Logue) & Leon Anderson and Bessy (Stogsdill) & Elbert Bailey; her parents Patsy & Jim Bailey; parent-in-laws Joy (Burns) & Clarence Holman and sister-in-law, Peggy Sue (Stollard) Holman.
The visitation and celebration of life will be from 10am until the service time of 11am, Monday, August 11, 2025, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Burial will follow
in Graceland Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Decatur Memorial Hospital who provided much healing care and helped us transition her home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Decatur and Macon County or Decatur Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation.
Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is making the final arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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