Jean Holtzclaw
Jean Holtzclaw was a 1958 graduate of North Mecklenburg High School and a beloved member of the faculty for 33 years. She attended Appalachian State University and graduated from Queens College in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in French. That spring she began practice teaching at North Meck and committed her heart to the profession that allowed her to reach so many in a positive way. She was honored many times, notably as North Meck’s Teacher of the Year. More cherished, however, were those times when she could connect and make a difference in people’s lives. She was the head of the Foreign Language Department and championed activities that invested in the students’ education and exposure to the world. Her European tours were sought after, and studies came alive.
Her tireless commitment was equally evident at church. Within Derita Presbyterian Church she held various offices: Elder, Deacon, Chair of Christian Education, Sunday School Superintendent, and Sunday School Teacher. Her skill of connecting meaningfully with people helped her bring all age levels to Christ. She was an excellent faith mentor, first guiding and then passing along methods to help others grow in their faith.
Jean’s dedication to her family brought joy and comfort to all those within the family circle, which expanded to include many long-time close friends and fellow teachers, some as far back as 50 years. Her faith and these relations sustained her throughout all trials in her life. Her special delight, however, was her grandchildren and a deepening gratitude for her husband, Merle, of over 40 years. He was her anchor and steadfast caregiver.
Jean worked with SunTours as well, as a tour director. She enjoyed seeing and sharing new sights in America with adults, although she thought high school students usually followed directions better. Many close friendships were formed there too.
Jean has been described as steadfast, grounded, inspirational, generous, and with a great depth of faith. Her ability to establish individual relationships with so many was remarkable, and she cherished each of these. She was able to discern and judge wisely, without being judgmental.
Through it all, she tirelessly strove to find and follow God’s Will in all things.
Jean’s family includes husband, Merle; daughter, Aimee Knight (Michael); sons, Tim Holtzclaw (Angie) of Spruce Pine and Jeremy Holtzclaw (Marissa); brother, Gary Bowers (Beth); sister-in-law, Jennie Holtzclaw; and grandchildren Hailey and Allie Knight and Landon and Chandler Holtzclaw.
Jean’s 1973 Yearbook Dedication Page
Click on it to read the dedication.
“She was beautiful and glowing to all who crossed her path. She allowed her granddaughters to eat ice cream for breakfast. She made friends everywhere and with anyone; it didn’t matter the age, gender, race or cultural background. She molded young minds at North Mecklenburg High School for more than 30 years. She was an exceptional listener, and a wonderful communicator. Before she died, she left a small note on her vanity in the bathroom, encouraging us not to mourn her death too long. It read..’You will give my life meaning if you do not mourn me too long.’ This was engraved on her grave marker, ‘She left her loved ones with a truly inspirational legacy.’ “ Hailey Knight, Jean’s granddaughter
“Where ever she was is where you wanted to be. She drew energy from people and gave it back tenfolds. A born teacher and true friend.” Priscilla Cloninger, mother of Catherine Cloninger who won the French Award in 1984.
“Mme. Jean Holtzclaw was one of those rare women who embodied everything it means to be a mother, wife, friend and teacher. As a language arts teacher, she loved everything French though her teaching extended far beyond francais. By simply living her own core values, she taught life lessons every day and had the gift of making each student feel valued and unique.
“Mme. Holtzclaw embraced individuality. She encouraged creativity and relished the accomplishments of her students. In 1978, when I submitted an artistic interpretation of Le Petit Prince, she lavished me with praise and proudly kept the piece in her classroom for many ensuing years. When it was near deterioration from age, it still pained her to let it go. That one act spoke volumes to me.
“That same year and the year after, she made a personal commitment to act as one of two adult chaperones at play rehearsals as I and several other students worked to revive theatre at North Mecklenburg. Day after day, for weeks on end, she stayed after school in order for us to realize our dream. Mme. Holtzclaw was a wife and mother of three who had many obligations beyond those at school, yet she selflessly gave of her time. She saw the drive in us and did her part to lift us up. Her nurturing spirit fostered our self-esteem and set some of us on a path to lifelong creative pursuit.
“Over the course of her life, Mme. Holtzclaw took many students with her on tours of France. In 1979, I was one of the lucky ones who traveled to Europe with her. She set in motion a love of travel and adventure, a passion that has shaped my adult life.
“Her time here on Earth was shortened by cancer, yet her memory lives on in the hearts and minds of dozens, perhaps hundreds, of students like me on whom she made a lasting impression and who she made feel extraordinarily special The truth is, she is the one who was extraordinarily special.” Beverly Penninger, former student
“At graduation time each year I think of Jean Holtzclaw … how thankful I am to have known her!
She meant so much to me, our church … and so many others.
“We all have our stories of Jean, but I felt a special link with her as a fairly new member at Derita. Jean was setting up ‘Women of the Bible’ classes. She asked me to join with Ruby Little to teach a class about Ruth. Jean gave me a life-long friend in Ruby, and I thought I ‘clicked’ with Jean maybe because I too taught … just some part-time evening classes. Later I thought maybe I had a special link because we were both going through some similar treatments for cancer. The truth is – Jean made everyone around her feel special! She encouraged so many both at our church, at
“I remember her as a smiling, energetic, teaching professional, whose warmth and love for her students was obvious every time I walked into her class.” John Woods, former student and Mayor of Davidson
“Mrs. Jean Holtzclaw was my French teacher at North Mecklenburg High School. Although it has been over 20 years since I was in her class, I can still remember her smile and her voice like it was yesterday. She had different smiles, though. One meant that she recognized that you had actually studied and that she was proud of you. The other meant that your efforts to joke around or change the subject were NOT working! This second smile is the one that I remember seeing most often, coupled with a roll of the eyes. In other classes, I was usually able to ’schmooze’ my way out of trouble, or to stay under the radar until I could get caught up. But not with Mrs. Holtzclaw! The point I make is that she smiled a lot, and was always fun to be around even when the business of keeping the class in line was necessary.
“Concerning her voice, I always thought she had a perfect French accent. When I speak or hear ‘merci beaucoup,’ I hear it in her voice. This voice was one that taught with precision, admonished with care, and praised with enthusiasm. Her voice and her smiles were windows to a heart of gold.
“I had a chance to see and speak with Mrs. Holtzclaw not too long before she passed away. The smile and the voice were still there. And the heart of gold was even more evident, now reflecting strength, faith, and resolve to care for others even in the midst of great personal struggle. It was clear to me that she was at peace and happy. And well she should have been at peace - for she had been a faithful, loving friend to many, ready for her reward in Heaven. And now, taking the chance to remember her, it makes me smile.” Beard McAulay, Class of 1984