Dana Ann Holbrook Holt, 69, of Dayton, Texas, passed away on September 18, 2026. She was born on February 10, 1957, in Liberty, Texas, to Bruce Holbrook and Betty Wells Holbrook.

A lifelong resident of Dayton, Dana graduated from Dayton High School with the Class of 1975. She married her high school sweetheart, Arthur Holt, and together they shared 50 loving years of marriage.

Dana devoted much of her life to caring for children. She helped establish the prekindergarten program at First Baptist Church in Dayton, where she worked for 20 years. Her care often continued well beyond the classroom. After noon dismissal, she regularly brought children home with her and looked after them until their parents could pick them up. Her home was always filled with children she was caring for, babysitting, and loving as though they were her own.

A lifetime member of First Baptist Church in Dayton, Dana faithfully served in the church's children's programs throughout her life. She also enjoyed smocking and gardening, especially growing her beloved tulips. Above all, Dana treasured her family, her family's farming heritage, and the children whose lives she touched.

Dana was preceded in death by her father, Bruce R. Holbrook.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Arthur Holt; her mother, Betty Ann Holbrook; her daughters, Sara Williams and husband Jerry, and Ashley Guillory and husband Philip; her brother, Bruce L. Holbrook; her sister, Regina VanEtta and husband Mark; and her grandchildren, Jake Williams, Ellis Guillory, and Brooke Guillory.

The family extends special thanks to Dana's caregivers, Ruth Lambert, Aletha Victorian, and Kara McIntosh; Gentiva Hospice nurses Kimberly Slayton and LaDonna Marks; and Dr. Don Callens for their compassionate care and support.

A visitation will be held at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church in Dayton on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with burial following at Magnolia Park Cemetery.

The service will be officiated by Collin Errington and Randy Piatt. Serving as pallbearers will be Jake Williams, Ellis Guillory, Gerald Kolarik, Ricky Short, Chuck Harris, and Gerry Stratmann.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, Dayton.

Dana will be remembered for her generous heart, her steadfast faith, and the loving care she gave to generations of children and families throughout the Dayton community.