Mrs. Jennie Holt Ballard, age 85, passed from this life on Tuesday, June 30, 2009. Friends may visit at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home for one night's viewing to be held on Friday evening, July 3, 2009 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Rev. Jack McMahon of Rehobeth Methodist Church will officiate at a graveside service at Rehobeth Cemetery the next morning, Saturday, July 4 at 10:00 a.m.

Born in Buncomb on April 12, 1924, just outside of Carthage to Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Holt, Mrs. Ballard grew up in Carthage, graduating from Carthage High School in 1942, the same year as Jim Reeves, a cousin by marriage. Except for a few years at Tyler Secretarial School, plus another few years after marriage when she lived in Tyler, "Ms. Jennie" spent the rest of her adult life in Carthage. After marrying Garland Rudolph Ballard in 1944, they moved their small family back to Carthage in 1951. She was an avid gardener all her life, reciting names of plants, wildflowers and various fauna to her children and grandchildren. In approximately 1965, she left her full-time job of raising her daughters and returned to the work force as a legal secretary. She spent approximately twenty years in the Panola County Courthouse, first as a clerk for Mr. Roy Cadenhead, and then as an assistant deputy clerk for Marie Pike Seale. After her "retirement", she joined the team at Walmart as a greeter, charming Panola County children for almost fifteen years as she dressed up in whatever holiday costume fit the season. As a greeter, she also helped raise thousands of dollars for both the American Heart Association and the Children's Miracle Network. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 48 years, Garland Rudolph Ballard, one sister, Catherine Holt Gist, a sister-in-law, Wanda Ballard Palmer, four brothers-in-law, W.E. Cordray, James Palmer, G.A. Gist, and Farrell Ballard, as well as two sons-in-law, Steven T. Spagnolo and Glennon H. Paysse.

Mrs. Ballard is survived by her daughters, Shirley Ballard Spagnolo and Elaine Ballard Ross, and husband, Douglas. Two siblings, Mrs. Faye Holt Cordray of Baton Rouge, LA, and Rev. W.A. Holt and wife Margie of Sugarland and Carthage, TX also survive. Grandchildren include Jennifer P. Rosen and husband Freddie of Laurel, DE, Laurie Werner and husband Dave of Pittsburgh, PA, Regina Cowan and husband Roger of Beckville, Ray Kendrick Ross of Forth Worth, and Raymond Douglas Ross and Ramona Alane Ross, both of Beckville. Great-grandchildren include Cory and Cara Rosen, Lena and Lorna Werner, Brittany Walker and Alexis Barnard, Connor Cowan, Lindsay and Emily Ross, Cameron Ray and Madesyn Ross, Lucie McDermott, Gracie Stegall, and Skyler Douglas Ross. Numerous nieces and nephews also grieve for their "Aunt Jennie". Countless friends and associates remember her as well.

Serving as pallbearers are Raymond D. Ross, Roger Cowan, Mike and Don Cordray, Eddie Dollgenger and Wayne Gist. Honorary pallbearers will be Ray Kendrick Ross, Cameron Ross, Cory Rosen, and Skyler Douglas Ross.

In liew of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rehobeth Methodist Church, at 2207 Hwy 59N, Carthage, TX 75633; Heart's Way Hospice, 437 West Panola, Carthage, Tx. 75633; or Carthage Health Care Center, 701 S. Market, Carthage, TX 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.