Biography: Margaret Spikes Holt, age 97, of Little Rock, widow of the late Judge Jack W. Holt, passed away on February 6, 2007. Margaret was born in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, on August 9, 1909 to S. E. (Bunk) Spikes and Candace Hughes Spikes. She attended public schools in Walnut Ridge through the ninth grade, at which time she entered Randolph Macon Seminary for Ladies in Lynchburg, Virginia. Upon graduation she matriculated to the University of Arkansas, where she became a member of Chi Omega sorority and where she met her future husband, Jack Holt. Following a summer wedding in 1927, Margaret and Jack moved to Harrison, Arkansas, where Jack was elected prosecuting attorney and later as circuit judge. It was during this time that their son, Jack W. Holt Jr., and their daughter, Peggy Holt Freeman, were born. The family continued to reside in Harrison until 1936, at which time Jack was elected Attorney General of the State of Arkansas and the family moved to Little Rock. Margaret participated in Jack’s several campaigns for public office. Her outgoing personality and her winning way contributed greatly to his successes. At the same time, she was a devoted wife and mother, a wonderful and creative homemaker, and avid gardener. She was active in a number of community services, including volunteering as a Grey Lady at the V.A. Hospital in Little Rock and, more recently, as a hostess at the Bernice Jones Eye Institute at U.A.M.S. In addition, she worked part-time for a number of years at her sister-in-law Mary Holt’s apparel shop, The Clothes Horse, where she contributed mightily to the hospitality and camaraderie. Margaret was a compassionate and generous person who was never known to speak unkindly of anyone, regardless of their station in life. She found ways to help and comfort the needy, be they family members or complete strangers. She will be remembered for her zest for life and her kind and loving spirit, which were evident in her wonderful smile. Margaret is survived by her son, Jack W. Holt Jr., and his wife, Jane Lovett Holt, of Little Rock; her daughter, Peggy Holt Freeman, and her husband, Tom Freeman, of Columbia, Missouri; six grandchildren, Kelley Holt England and Candace Holt Chappell of Little Rock, Thomas Holt Freeman of Greenville, South Carolina, Robert Holt Freeman of Overland Park, Kansas, and Forest and Jonathan Lovett of Little Rock; and seven great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 11 in the Chapel of First United Methodist Church, Eighth and Center Streets in Little Rock, where Margaret was a dedicated member during all of her many adult years. A gathering of family and friends will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Cremation will be followed in the spring by burial in the family cemetery near Harrison, Arkansas. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for Margaret’s dear and devoted companions, Joyce Ann Thomas, Donna Fuller, and Mildred Johnette Peterson; for Dr. Delbra R. Caradine, of the Department of Geriatrics at U.A.M.S., and Hospice Home Care personnel for their loving care; and for her Sherrill Heights neighbors for their lasting friendship and concern. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to First United Methodist Church (Eighth and Center Streets, Little Rock, 72223); Hospice Home Care, Inc., 1501 N. University Ave., Prospect Bldg., Suite 500, Little Rock, AR 72207; or to a charity of choice. Cremation and service arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home of Little Rock. Condolences may be directed to www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.