Mother of Congressman Coble dies.

The elderly mother of U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) died Saturday, April 2, 2005. Mrs. Johnnie Holt Coble was 95 years old when she died in her sleep this morning at her residence at Friends Homes on New Garden Road in Greensboro.

Johnnie Holt was born to John and Elma Holt in rural Guilford County on December 7, 1909. She was graduated from Nathaniel Greene High School. She was married to the late Joe H. Coble for more than 65 years. “Uncle Joe” Coble – as he was affectionately known – died in 1999 at the age of 91. Both were longtime members of Alamance Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. Coble was a member of the Ruth Millard Circle.

Congressman Coble, the co-chairman of the Congressional Textile Caucus, often mentions his mother when discussing his role as a key supporter of the textile and apparel industries. Rep. Coble proudly informs those listening that his mother was employed by Standard Hosiery Mill of Alamance, and Blue Bell, Inc., in Greensboro, and because of her working career, that he understood from an early age the importance of the textile industry in North Carolina’s economy and history.

In addition to Rep. Coble, Mrs. Holt is survived by her other son, Ray Coble, a well-known area Realtor, and his wife, Barbara, their four children, Dr. Ray Coble of High Point, Mark Coble of Raleigh, Bryan Coble of Greensboro, and Amanda Ratliff of Greensboro, along with nine great-grandchildren. In addition, Mrs. Coble is survived by a sister, Helen Euliss of Burlington, and a brother, Gordon Holt of Greensboro.

Visitation will be Monday, April 4, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Forbis and Dick North Elm Chapel on North Elm Street in Greensboro. The funeral will be Tuesday, April 5, at 11 a.m. at Alamance Presbyterian Church, 4000 Presbyterian Road in Greensboro. Internment will follow in the church cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Alamance Presbyterian Church Capital Building Fund.