It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Carol Jeanette Holbert of Glen Carbon, IL — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
Below, the simplest tribute: the truth of a life as it was lived.
A parent's life is measured, in part, by the lives she shaped.
Carol Jeanette (Steele) Holbert, 94, of Glen Carbon, IL, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL.
She was born on August 4, 1931, in Granite City, IL to the late John and Ivy Steele.
Carol grew up in Granite City area. She went to Granite City High School and then to Millikin University. She married Kenneth Holbert on May 31, 1958, who preceded her in death in 1987. After her husband's death, she was instrumental in connecting her stepdaughter Karen Johnson, who preceded her in death in January 2026, with the Holbert Family. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brother, John Howard, and sister in law, Josephine Steele
Carol worked at Granite City Steel and The Steele Kunneman Agency and then concentrated on raising her family.
Carol was involved in many organizations and volunteered her whole life including Lakeview Garden Club as past Club President and District Director, volunteered as an organist at church and at Anderson Hospital for 30 years.
She was a role model for being positive and experiencing life as well as staying young with her Silver Sneakers family.
She was a true force of goodness, kindness, and happiness. She continued to explore new ideas and who we all are as people.
She had a huge impact on others, especially her family, of which she was the matriarch. She was the center to molding who each of us are today.
She is survived by her son, Kenneth Holbert (Margie), her grandchildren Marissa (James) Holbert-Zielinski, Collin (Jordan) Holbert, Elise Holbert and her great granddaughter Anna Zielinski. She is also survived by her brother, Everett Steele, nephew Randy Steele, Bryan (Mireille) Steele, and their children Keturah, Evodie, Phoebe, Evangeline and Esther as well as many dear friends that will miss her very much.
Memorial visitation will be held from 2pm – 3pm on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL. A memorial service will follow at 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Partners for Pets or Glen Ed Food Pantry and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.
