Martha Jacquelyn Greer Holtzclaw, fondly known as Jackie, passed away peacefully at her home in Habersham County on May 21, 2026, after valiantly battling an extended illness. A graveside funeral service will be held for Mrs. Holtzclaw at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2026, at Oak Ridge Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest. The Rev.Trevor Ward will officiate. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the graveside from 10:30 a.m. until the hour of the service.
Born February 5, 1943, in Sumter County, Mrs. Holtzclaw was the daughter of William Henry Greer and Elizabeth Ruth Dupree Greer. She grew up in Douglas, where as a teenager she first worked in the family dime store and then the Western Auto Store owned by extended family. She was a 1961 graduate of Coffee County High School where she was a saxophonist in the marching band. A 1965 graduate of Georgia Southern College, she taught elementary school before becoming a full-time homemaker after the birth of her children. Mrs. Holtzclaw later received a Master’s degree in Education from Valdosta State College and worked at the Tift County Department of Family and Children’s Services, Tift General Hospital and the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Library before retiring and relocating to the mountains of Georgia.
A passionate community volunteer during retirement, Mrs. Holtzclaw was a member of the Southeast Regional Mental Health Board and local pet rescue organizations, and she was a founding member of the Soque River Watershed Association as well as a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Douglas. During her retirement, Mrs. Holtzclaw enjoyed hiking, camping, reading, and returning to her love of music by joining a chorale group. Most of all, however, she cherished spending time with her grandchildren who were the center of her world and a source of great joy and pride for her. A gifted storyteller and teacher, Mrs. Holtzclaw will be remembered for her curiosity, care, and courage.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Yancey Al Greer, and her husband Charles West “Bud” Holtzclaw, Jr.
Mrs. Holtzclaw is survived by her daughter, Katherine Greer Holtzclaw (Anthony Brett Toles), and granddaughter, Emerson Carolina Toles; her son, Charles West Holtzclaw, III, and grandchildren, Charles West “C.W.” Holtzclaw, IV and Dearing Raye Holtzclaw; their mother, Patricia Fulwood Holtzclaw; and her cousin, Nancy Elizabeth Dupree.
The family particularly wishes to express sincere gratitude to Rhonda Haley for the exceptional care, kindness, and support shown both to Mrs. Holtzclaw and her family during her illness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.