Cathy Lynette (Gibbs) Holcomb

Cathy Lynette (Gibbs) Holcomb, age 78, of Boaz, AL, formerly Peoria, passed away peacefully at 2:10 AM with her daughters by her side. Cathy was born in Peoria, Illinois, the oldest of four children, to James B. and Betty May (Jones) Gibbs. From an early age, she helped care for her younger siblings, a role that seemed to shape the rest of her life. Caring for others wasn’t simply something she did—it was who she was. She was married to Richard T. Holcomb, whom she loved deeply. Their marriage was built on devotion, companionship, and shared traditions—including their love of Alabama Crimson Tide football. During every game, family members could expect a text asking if they were watching, usually ending with “Roll Tide.” Cathy worked for many years at Dr. Michael Williamson’s dental office, where she was loved by her coworkers. She continued working until the effects of her illness made it impossible. The friendships she formed there were important to her, and her coworkers adored her. Her greatest pride was her family. Cathy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She spent much of her life putting others before herself, showing her love through acts of service. Cathy prepared meals, folded laundry, refilled water glasses, worried about the people she loved, and quietly made sure everyone else was taken care of. She was known for her kindness and for making people feel loved. Cathy never forgot a birthday and faithfully sent cards to family and friends. In fact, she saved every card, note, and letter she ever received, treasuring each one as a reminder of the people she loved. Cathy will be remembered as a devout woman of faith who attended Sardis Baptist Church and Happy Hearts. Her faith guided her life, not through grand gestures, but through kindness, service, compassion, and love.Her favorite verse is John 3:16. Survivors include her husband Richard Holcomb; two daughters: Linda (Bob) Swindler and Yancy (Rick) Reynolds; six grandchildren: Jessica Londrie, Cody (Tony) Boyd, Ashley (Nate) Moe, Kurt (Cristina) Smith, Nick (Maddie) Reynolds and Caeleb Swindler; two great grandchildren: Leland Hornbach and Ezra Reynolds; as well as two sisters: Edith McMullin and Karen (Phil) Steenburgen. Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, James Smith, one son, Douglas James Smith, one daughter, Terri (Tee) Smith, one brother, James "Jimmy" Gibbs, and one brother-in-law, Noel "Buddy" McMullin. Visitation will be held at Etowah Memorial Chapel, 12600 US-431, Boaz, AL, 35956, on Saturday, June 13, 2026 form 10:00 AM until time of funeral services at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery in Sardis, AL. Bro. Mike Goforth will be officiating. Preferred memorials in Cathy's memory may be made to Shepherd's Cove Hospice, 408 Martling Rd STE A-105, Albertville, AL 35951, OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 IL-91, Peoria, IL 61615, or St. Jude Midwest Affiliate. Friends and family are encouraged to log onto www.wrightandsalmon.com and www.etowahmemorialchapel.com to leave condolences, submit photos and share Cathy's memorial page via social media. Funeral arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Wright and Salmon Mortuary in Peoria, IL (309-688-4441) and Etowah Memorial Chapel in Boaz, AL. (256-593-4994)

Cathy Lynette (Gibbs) Holcomb

March 22, 1948 - June 3, 2026