Betty Marie Holloway

Betty Marie Thiele Holloway

Nonnie, as family and friends called her, swam her winning lap on Friday, February 25, 2022, swimming her way into that heavenly pool, winning the gold medal of all medals. Betty Marie Thiele Holloway, born April 6, 1923, was a lifetime swimmer, swimming most every day until 2020, only stopping when her pool was eventually closed due to Covid. Nonnie was a creative one, a world traveler, won many medals in the Senior Olympics in her younger years, was crazy about ASU basketball games, loved St. Louis Cardinals and didn’t miss many games. She was an avid bridge player, was always up for a good weenie roast at the barn and at the age of 95, unbeknownst to her children, she was self-appointed to be the chauffeur for all her friends who could no longer drive. She had a large love for her grandchildren; until last year she baked dozens of cookies for every holiday for each one, individually wrapping each cookie and putting in the mail in time for the holiday. She took pride in all their accomplishments but bragged often about being able to beat them in Gin Rummy. She never forgot a birthday, an anniversary, or any other important date.

She was a determined one, refusing to ask for help and becoming a bit angry if anyone offered to help. She always said, “No thank you, I might be 98 but I am still as good as new”.

Betty was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and moved to Jonesboro when her beloved Bob was transferred to Jonesboro with the GE Plant. She worked as a church secretary and was a faithful member of First Presbyterian church until her health began to fail.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, her parents, Herb and Helen Thiele and one granddaughter, Cecily Wool.

She is survived by her sons, Bob and daughter-in-law Margaret, Alan, and a daughter, Lynda Wool. She leaves behind her precious grandchildren, Jordan Ziegler, Wendy Bass, Erika Wool Shae, Dr. Rocky Wool, Robert Wool and Zack Holloway and 5 great grandchildren.

Nonnies visitation will be at Emerson Funeral home on Monday, February 28, 2022 from 10:00-11:00. A short graveside service will follow visitation at 11:30 at Nettleton Cemetery with Minister Matt Bussell officiating.

Her last days were spent at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House; memorials may be sent there in her memory, 1148 E. Matthews, Jonesboro, AR  72401, the Humane Society, 6111 E Highland Drive, Jonesboro, 72401 or First Presbyterian Church, 710 Southwest Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72401.