In Loving Memory of Lynn Holladay Bagley

Lynn Holladay Bagley of Chattanooga, TN, was joyfully reunited with her Savior on October 25, 2025, at the age of 67, surrounded by love at home after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer.

Born on January 20, 1958, in Marietta, GA, to Dr. Edward and Betsy Lee Holladay, Lynn was the radiant middle child of five siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jack, her father-in-law, two nephews, and many beloved aunts and uncles.

Lynn’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her devoted husband of 41 years, Tom Bagley; her children Katy Barrett (Matt), Owen Bagley (Lauren), and William Bagley (Rebecca); and her cherished grandchildren Bea and Jake Barrett; Tommy, Annie, and soon-to-arrive Stevie Bagley; and Renna Bagley. She is also survived by her siblings Neill Blake (Bill), Carol Griggs (Greg), Bill Holladay (Luanne), Lora Holladay, and Lee Ann Dawkins (Harold); her lifelong best friend Amy Bull; the Burke family; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Lynn’s light shone brightly from a young age. Known for her wit and warmth, she was voted “Wittiest” at Marietta High School and famously joined the kazoo cheerleading squad for the soccer team. Her faith, nurtured at First Presbyterian Church of Marietta, guided her throughout her life. She earned a degree in religious studies from Converse College and a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary, where she met Tom, the love of her life.

Together, they began their ministry at Timberridge Presbyterian Church in McDonough, GA. Lynn redefined the role of a pastor’s wife, leading youth with compassion, humor, and an uncanny ability to connect with even the most reserved teenagers. Her impact on young lives was profound and lasting.

Driven by a deep desire to help others, Lynn later earned licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Her gift for listening to and guiding others helped countless people find healing and hope. Her own family and friends were often the grateful recipients of her wisdom, empathy, and practical advice—tools they now carry forward in her honor.

Lynn’s joy was contagious. She was a masterful card player, a spirited hiker and runner, and a proud participant in the annual mother-daughter half marathon in Savannah for 11 consecutive years. She treasured time at the Bagley lake house, where laughter, games, and late-night chats filled the air. Her greatest delight was her family—her husband, children, grandchildren, and lifelong friends—who were the center of her world.

Her heart for mission work, especially crisis counseling in Haiti, reflected her unwavering commitment to serving others. Lynn’s life was a testament to grace, humor, and unconditional love.

We will miss her sage advice, her calming presence, her spontaneous song lyrics, her love of play, and her quick wit. But most of all, we will miss the extraordinary woman who was our wife, mother, Yaya, friend, godmother, mentor, therapist, and comedian.

A Celebration of Life and Witness to the Resurrection will be held Wednesday, October 29 at 2 pm at First Presbyterian Church of Marietta, Georgia with a Graveside service to be held the day before, Tuesday, October 28 at 2 pm at Rose Hill Cemetery in Fayetteville, Tennessee. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Momance (Haiti), First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville, Tennessee, or First Presbyterian Church of Marietta, Georgia.

Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Lynn Holladay Bagley.