Garnet Smith Day, age 77, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully Friday, May 23, 2025, at University Hospital in Columbia, Mo.
She was born on December 10, 1947, in Ripley County, Mo., the youngest of five children born to the late Clarence Alvin and Ruby Lurene (Smith) Day. A 1965 graduate of Doniphan High School, Garnet met Dennis Leo Holford during class, whom she later married. The couple shared a life of love and adventure until his passing on February 22, 1991.
Shortly after high school, Garnet began her career with the State of Missouri as a caseworker for the Missouri Department of Social Services. She initially served in the Butler County office before transferring to Ripley County, a move that eventually brought her to the state’s capital city. She dedicated 31 years of service to the department, earning her well-deserved retirement in 1998.
Naturally outgoing and community-minded, Garnet enjoyed being active in various social groups around Jefferson City. For many years, she volunteered at local election polls, a role she took great pride in—highlighted by a memorable photo opportunity with former Governor Jay Nixon during one election season. A longtime member of First Assembly of God, Garnet faithfully participated in church workdays and events, always offering her time and talents with enthusiasm. Known affectionately as a “handy-woman,” her practical skills and can-do spirit were appreciated by all who knew her. In more recent years, she became a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, where her faith remained a guiding force and source of strength in her life.
Garnet had a deep appreciation for the beauty in everyday life. She delighted in collecting Christmas ornaments, snow globes, and coffee mugs from her travels, as well as anything adorned with a cardinal—her favorite bird. She found quiet joy in watching and feeding the birds, often sharing her yard with a few mischievous squirrels. A warm cup of coffee in one of her cherished mugs was a simple pleasure that brought her comfort and peace.
Above all, Garnet deeply cherished her family. Though she never had children of her own, she embraced her role as a loving aunt with unwavering devotion and strong maternal instincts, nurturing her nieces and nephews as if they were her own. Throughout her life, she also had a special place in her heart for dogs, whose companionship brought her constant joy. She especially looked forward to road trips with her sister, Gayle, and her nephew, Scott, along with his family. Together, they explored the beauty of the Northeast—favorite destinations included Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Eastern Canada, and the Great Lakes.
Garnet will be fondly remembered for her fierce independence, quick wit, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know and love her.
Survivors include her sister, Anita “Gayle” Jones (Douglas Sr.) of Doniphan, Mo.; brother, William “Roscoe” Day (Shirley) of Windsor, Mo.; nieces and nephews, Steve Day of Spring, Tx., Doug Jones (Becky) of Jefferson City, Mo., Tanya Wharton (Brian) of Seguin, Tx., Scott Jones of Jefferson City, Mo., Cindy LeMaster of Windsor, Mo., Jessica Shirley of Geneseo, Il., John Jones of Frederick, Md., and Timothy Day of Windsor, Mo.; and numerous great-nieces and nephews and members of her extended family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis; parents, Clarence and Ruby; infant brother, Austin Harvey Day; brother, Lonnie Elvin Day; and niece, Emma Jones.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Freeman Mortuary.
A funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Brian Credille officiating.
An additional funeral service will be held Friday, May 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan, Mo., 606 Walnut St, Doniphan, MO 63935. Graveside services and interment will be held at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Doniphan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Friends of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter, 2308 Hyde Park Rd, Jefferson City, MO 65109, American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741, or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692.
