LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw is being remembered as both a trailblazer in politics and a devoted wife and mother.
Holsclaw died Wednesday morning at the age of 81, surrounded by her family. She served as Jefferson County Clerk for 27 years, first elected in 1998 and last reelected in 2022, making her one of the longest-serving clerks in the state and among the longest-serving Republicans ever elected in Jefferson County.
A graduate of Assumption High School, Holsclaw studied at both the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. The daughter of a state representative, she grew up around politics but began her career as a stay-at-home mom before joining the clerk’s office as a manager. She later ran for clerk and won, eventually overseeing elections and modernizing the office with what she called "VIP Service" — Value, Integrity and Performance.
Her husband, Ed, said family always came first.
"Sixty-two years together… we raised our boys, and I couldn’t be prouder of the life we built," he said.
Their son, Brad, recalled that while his mother loved politics, her favorite job was at home.
"My mom was a stay-at-home mom, and I think that was probably her greatest job and the most satisfying job, even though she actually loved the clerk’s office and the people there," he said.
The couple often shared laughs about her maiden name. Holsclaw said there were four Holsclaws in the phone book when they married -- none of them related. Friends teased him that he had taken her name instead.
Holsclaw's career also took her beyond Louisville. She met world leaders and national figures including Bob Dole, Dan Quayle and Mikhail Gorbachev. But family members said her proudest moments were at home — and right here in Jefferson County.
On Friday, her family stood alongside local civil rights leaders to celebrate her life and call on Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg to honor her wishes by appointing her son to finish her term.
Greenberg said Holsclaw’s contributions will be felt for years to come.
"We are very grateful to have folks like Bobbie Holsclaw in Louisville," he said. "She dedicated 27 years of her life as county clerk serving the people of Louisville, overseeing elections, and very grateful to her for her public service and contributions."
Political leaders from across Kentucky — including U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, Attorney General Russell Coleman and state Sen. David Yates — also praised her decades of leadership, describing her as a committed public servant whose work modernized the clerk’s office and expanded access to services.
A visitation will be held on Monday, Sept. 22 from 1-8 p.m. at Arch L. Heady and Son at Westport Village, 7410 Westport Road. Mass of Christian Burial is Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 3345 Lexington Road.Â
For more information on the services or to send flowers, click here.
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