Joan Marie (Holt) Seelye

Although sorrowful, it is with immense gratitude for her life that we announce the passing of Joan Marie Seelye, a devoted servant of Christ whose faith illuminated the lives of everyone around her.  Joan, 83, peacefully journeyed to her eternal home and into the presence of her Lord on March 25, 2025, at her son and daughter-in-law’s home with them at her bedside.

Joan was a beacon of love, faith, joy and inspiration to all who knew her.  Joan was born on May 30,1941 to her dear parents, the late Sterling and Nellie Mae (Harrington) Holt.  She was a devoted wife to her true love, Joe Seelye, for 47 years until his passing in 2007.  Together, they built a life filled with laughter, love and countless cherished memories.  While Joan faced the heartache of losing two precious sons, Trevor Shane Seelye and Steven Clinton Seelye, as well as her beloved sister Suzanne Holt, her trust in God and her love for family never wavered. She always maintained her faith, a positive outlook and always offered a kind word.  She would give anyone the shirt off her back and truly cared more about others than herself.

Her various public work experiences included secretary for school superintendent James R. Allen, switchboard operator, Fort Knox civil service, USPS postal carrier, childcare provider and ultimately retired from the Meade County Public Library as the book mobile driver. Although she enjoyed public work, her most important and treasured roles were as a Christian, wife, mother, homemaker, mamaw, sister and friend.

Joan was a member of Buck Grove Baptist Church, where she dedicated decades to teaching children’s Sunday school. She taught countless children about God’s Word and led them on a path to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Often arriving hastily at the church on two wheels, bringing not just the message of Jesus Christ but also delightful treats of cookies or pizza to the smiling children whom she loved.   

Joan was the kind of person who brightened everyone’s life with her infectious laughter and kind spirit.  She had a good sense of humor, loved to play games (shanghai rummy being her favorite) and enjoyed being with her loved ones.  Her legacy is one of true compassion, unwavering faith and unconditional love. Her light will remain with us, guiding and inspiring us to carry forward her message of love, kindness, faith and devotion to Jesus Christ.

Remaining to cherish her in memory and honor her in life are her treasured son and daughter -in-law, Troy (Deanne) Seelye;  precious grandchildren, Jacob (Lauren), Isaac (Cathy), Julia, and Luke Seelye; delightful great-grandchildren, Weston, Rhett, Willa, Caleb, and soon-to-be Wade Seelye; wonderful sisters, Lorraine (Richie) Medley, and June Green; dear sister in- law, Judy Pack; cherished daughter-in-law, Gail Seelye; special cousin, Jack Holt, and a multitude of  beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In honoring Joan’s memory, let us remember her impeccable character, her gentle spirit, and the love she so freely shared. May we carry forth her legacy by cherishing our loved ones, finding joy in the little moments, sharing our faith, and spreading kindness wherever we go.  Take comfort in one of her favorite scripture teachings, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 31, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the chapel of the Hager Funeral Home with Rev. Dave Campbell, officiating.  Burial will be in the Buck Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 4PM to 8PM and after 10:00 AM Monday.  Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Buck Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.