Paula Mathis Holt

Paula Mathis Holt, 82, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026, in Cowpens, South Carolina. Born on February 26, 1944, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, she was the daughter of Paul Mathis and Mary Francis Bright Mathis.

Paula dedicated over 25 years of service to Progress Lighting, formerly located in Cowpens, SC. Following this, she embraced a heartfelt role with District 3, where she worked as a cafeteria lady for over a decade. Paula found genuine joy in her work there, enjoying every opportunity to nurture and care for the children she served each day.

Those who knew Paula remember her as an exceptionally giving lady—someone who consistently reached out with phone calls and texts to check on friends and loved ones, especially during special occasions. She treasured her faith as a lifelong member of Converse Baptist Church, a place that not only nurtured her spiritual life but stood as a pillar of her community involvement.

Paula’s love for her family was boundless. She was a devoted mother to her daughter Marie, who she dearly loved. She also shared many beautiful moments with her granddaughter, Julia including meals together—particularly those that Julia wanted to eat. In her earlier years, she also had a fondness for shopping, and "thrifting," was her specialty. Paula and her late husband, Duren Holt, Jr., found happiness exploring the open roads on their Harley Davidson, cruising into neighboring states and around South Carolina.

Paula is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Marie Holt Vickery and her husband Ronnie of Roebuck, South Carolina, and her granddaughter, Julia Vickery, also of Roebuck. She was a beloved aunt to nieces Penny Maxwell, Dannie June Woodrum (Ron), and Darlene Kosco (Dan). Her circle of friends was enriched by her very special friends, Tina Gilbert and Jackie Martinez, and the family was completed by her cherished grand-dog, Milo.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Duren Holt, Jr., her sister Brenda Gilbert, and her brother Buddy Mack Mathis.

Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m., Friday, April 10, 2026, at Converse Baptist Church, 337 Main Street, Converse, South Carolina 29329. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m., at Converse Baptist Church with burial in Sunset Memorial Park, 1955 Cannons Campground Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Services will be conducted by the Rev. Mike Davis.

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

Paula Mathis Holt’s life was a testament to kindness, faith, and family. She leaves behind a legacy of love and generosity that will continue to inspire all who knew her.