Rita Holmes

Rita Inez Holmes, affectionately known as "Mousie", was born on October 6, 1931 to the late Thomas Gilbert and Marsha Louise Nelson. She was preceded in death by 2 sisters, 3 brothers, a loving daughter, Ann, and one grandson.

On the morning of March 1, 2011, at her home in Champlain, Virginia, as she was surrounded by her family, God closed her eyes and whispered, "Peace be thine". The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. "Blessed be the Name of the Lord." Job 1:21.

At an early age, she was baptized and joined Antioch Baptist Church in Champlain, Virginia. Even though her health failed, she continued to faithfully support her church and read her Bible every night.

She did domestic work for many years and was also employed by Tappahannock Manor. She was a hard working woman who always did everything in her power to make sure her family was taken care of. She always made her house a home for her family as well as for others in the community. She enjoyed family gatherings at the home place, otherwise known as "The Loop". Her card playing skills were unsurpassed and she enjoyed playing the guitar.

We pause today to pay our last respects to our dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. Gone but not forgotten for we know to be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8.

She leaves to cherish fond memories, 2 loving sons, William 'Bug' Holmes (Mildred) and Dean Holmes (Carol) of Champlain, VA; 3 devoted daughters, Dorothy O'Neal (Robert) of Champlain, VA, Jean Ware (Jerome) and Ellen Gray (Lloyd) of Tappahannock, VA; 12 grandchildren, Bobby, Nicky, Tia, Tyke, Lucy, Lori, Corey, C.C., Chris, Shelly & Tiffany; 15 great grandchildren; 1 godchild, Reginald Downs 'Winky'; 3 devoted nephews, James Nelson (Alfreda), Kenneth Nelson (Kim), and Tony Nelson (Sandy); 1 special friend whom she loved as a son, Clarence 'Nerve' Covington; her 3 Golden Girls who took extremely good care of her, loved her and were dedicated friends to her, Gloria Brown, Lucille Gaines and Martha Ann Vessels; a caring neighbor, Louise 'Juug' Reynolds and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Champlain will never be the same.



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