Marie (Derden) Sanford Holt, age 103 of Ellijay, GA. passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Marie was born April 7, 1921, in Ellijay, GA. to her late parents Bascom Randolph Derden and Emma Belle (Sutton) Derden. Marie was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Ellijay, GA. Marie was a retired teacher for the Gilmer County School System. Marie was preceded in death by her husband Herman E. Sanford, her husband Norman "Hap" Holt, daughter Maxine Baggs, sons James Holt, Richie Holt, and Raymond Holt, and grandchild Robin Denise Holt.

Survivors include Daughters Vivian and Jack McDougald, of Kennesaw, GA., Belda and Steve Payne of Ellijay, GA., sons Danny Sanford (and late wife Elaine) of Greeneville, TN., Dr. Rex and Dr. Kristin Holt of Winder, GA., grandchildren Norman Baggs, Kenton Baggs, Kelly Holt Kimsey, Alan Holt, Danny Sanford II, Darrell Sanford, Raymond Holt II, Curtisa M. Shuurman, Rich J. McDougald, Beth McDougald, Steven Payne, Robert Stefan Payne, Shannon Usalavage, Amanda Payne, Ryan Holt, Nathan Holt, and many great-grandchildren, great, great-grandchildren and great, great, great-grandchildren and a sister Geneva D. Colvard of Durham, NC.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, May 24, 2024, from 4-7 PM. The service will be held Saturday, May 25, 2024, the body will lie in state from 12 to 1:00 PM with the funeral to follow at 1:00 PM. at the 1st United Methodist Church in Ellijay, GA. with Rev. Geri Worley officiating, prayer by Rev. John Brantley and Eulogy by Dr. John K. Derden. Pallbearers are Raymond Holt II, Brayden Holt, Rich McDougald, Nathan Holt, Alan Holt,Sawyer Wishon, Quinn Schuurman and Thor Baggs, honorary pallbearers will be the Retired Teachers organization of Gilmer County and her former students.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.loganfuneralhome.com. Logan Funeral Home & Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to Kids Ferst of Gilmer County at P.O. Box 105, Ellijay, Ga. 30540 or FFA Chapters: North GA. Christian Academy FFA or Gilmer County FFA.