Deaconess Joan R. Holmes

Joan Rebecca Holmes answered the call of her Lord and Savior and passed into eternal rest on Resurrection Sunday – April 8, 2012 at 7:37 a.m. at Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg, Virginia. She was born June 14, 1933 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Frederick Douglas and Nettie Rebecca Johnson Jackson. Joan was raised by her grandmother, the late Mary Toliver Johnson, in Passing, VA. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age, was baptized, and joined the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Hustle, VA where she attended faithfully until marriage.

She was educated in Caroline County where she graduated from Union High School, Bowling Green, VA in 1950. Following graduation she worked at The Moon House Restaurant in Port Royal, VA as a waitress and cook; and was also employed at Mount Rose Canning Company, King George, VA. She met Robert P. Holmes, Sr. and they were joined in holy matrimony in King George, VA on September 16, 1956. After marriage, she moved her church membership to Salem Baptist Church, Jersey, VA to serve with her husband. While at Salem Baptist Church, she was an active member and served with the following ministries: Church Treasurer, Deaconness Board, Nurse's Unit, Eveready Choraleers, Mass Choir, and Bus Driver ~ until declining health forced her to attend less frequently.

Joan later worked for the King George County School systems at Ralph Bunche School, King George Elementary, and High Schools as a cafeteria worker and bus driver. You could see her driving "big yellow" with her sunny smile throughout the county for over twenty years. She was known for her care of children that is witnessed by her "open door policy" which always resulted in a large extended family consisting of those she reared and others she touched with her love and resources. Joan is also known for her good cooking but she was best-known for her baking. She made pies and cakes for all occasions but her famous cakes were highly sought after and cherished. Now we know why the Lord took her home – He wanted a great cake!

Joan was also instrumental in the community. She worked with the King George Parent-Teacher Association, the NAACP, Democratic Party Committee, the Mount Bethel Association, the Guiding Star Chapter #216 of the Eastern Star, and other community activities. Joan's kindness and mannerisms were projected as she interacted with all who knew her.

She was a devoted wife, and loving mother and is preceded in death by a brother Leonard Calloway; and a sister, Senora Griffin. She leaves to cherish her fond memory her husband, Deacon Robert P. Holmes, Sr. of King George, VA; eight children: Vanessa Brown, Colonial Beach, VA; Linda Carter (Gerard), Stokesdale, NC; Robert P. Holmes, Jr. (Michelle), Erie, PA; Frederick Holmes, California, MD; Janice Rogers (Tommy), Richmond, VA; Silvia Gaines (Maynard), Spotsylvania, VA; Leonora Williams (Jason), King George, VA; and Iris Williams (Michael), Norfolk, VA; one sister: Charlotte Rudd, Jacksonville, FL; four brothers-in-law: George, Frank (Mildred), Major (Juanita) Holmes, all of King George, VA; and Sylvester Griffin, Philadelphia, PA; and three first cousins: Madeline Williams, Milford, VA, Juanita Owen, and Brenda Williams both of Philadelphia, PA. She also leaves to mourn twenty-two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, special friends and loved ones.

Funeral Home:
Cedell Brooks Funeral Home
25662 A.P. Hill Blvd
Port Royal, VA
US 22535