Bobbie Jean Holloway

Bobbie Jean Wilbanks Smith Holloway, 84, departed this life on June 9, 2026 as she lived it: a godly Proverbs 31 woman.

She was an excellent wife to two husbands, both preceding her in death, Elbert Eugene “Gene” Smith, Sr. of Byron, GA, and Windel Jerry “Jimmy” Holloway of Dalton, GA. She was also preceded in death by her youngest two children, Elbert Eugene “Butch” Smith, Jr. and Rebecca “Becky” Kay Smith; her parents, Lesa Bell Adkerson Lee and Leeroy Wilbanks; her four siblings, Annie Maude Turner, Porter Sumner, Jerry Worth Howell, and Percy Hugh Lee; special aunt, Nannie Mae Atkinson; special cousin; Judy Mae Thompson; other special relatives, in-laws, and friends.

Bobbie is survived by her daughters, Jan Morris of Jacksonville, FL and Lesia Barlow, of Dalton, GA. Like the scripture states in Proverbs 31, Bobbie herself epitomized the godly woman that her friends and family sought to emulate and will now greatly miss: She worked hard to feed and clothe and meet all the needs of her own family—be it her own four children; her grandchildren, Brandon (Angie) Godfrey, Constance Morris, Meghan Smith, Emily Smith, and Hope Smith; her five great-grandchildren, Gage, Zoe, Jade, Ally, and Cortney; and great-great-grandchildren, Aaron Jacob “AJ”, Barrett, Lillian, Violet and Dawson.

Bobbie was a loving mother and grandmother figure and friend to too many to name them all here, but she felt especially blessed to be counted a family friend and neighbor to Joaquin Fraire, his precious daughter Jeissy, his kind sons Harrison and Samuel, and the rest of his very special family. And she felt honored to have the help, support and love of a special cousin Patsy (Bruce) Jones during her final years, when she needed them the most, as well as the close relationships she enjoyed with her niece Annette in Chatsworth and great niece Lesa Hale of Tifton.

Like the Proverbs 31 woman, Bobbie was a hard worker and supportive to her co-workers, and employers, including her time as a Mary Kay consultant under the guidance of her longtime precious friend Betty Dailey.

Bobbie knew the joy of the Lord despite her many troubles and trials in this life, faithfully adhering to God’s Word that “laughter doeth good like medicine,” which her special longtime friend Helen Dill can attest.

Bobbie “fought the good fight,” and although she may have exited earth for Heaven, her light and love will continue to shine in her absence, because she touched so many lives in her own kind, loving, compassionate way. Such a soul may leave this earth, but their memory and the impact and positive influence on the lives of others will never fade.