Shirley M Holmes

THE SHARING OF A BLESSED LIFE

Shirley Mercile Wyatt arrived on December 8, 1927 as a joyous gift to Louis and Cutee Wyatt. She was cherished by the entire Wyatt Clan and grew up in a loving environment in North Little Rock, AK where she attended school with her older Brother, Louis James, AKA “Buck” who predeceased her. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior, united with the Eastern Star Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor E. L. Harris and was an active participate in various Church activities. In 1943, she graduated from Scipio A. Jones High and attended Philander Smith College.

In 1946, she married her beloved husband and soul-mate, John James Holmes, Sr. who predeceased her in 1985. From this union, three children were produced, Sandra Kay, John, Jr., who also predeceased her and Maurice Kovacs. The Family relocated to Los Angeles in 1958 and united with Greater Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Founder/Organizer, Pastor George Devrouax, where she remained extremely faithful and active in the various Choirs and on the Mothers’ Board. (With the elevation of her daughter, they became the first Mother and Daughter on the Board.) She always served with a quite and humble spirit and greeted you with a beautiful smile. She loved to dress and was one gracious lady. The last Founding Member has now ascended and the heavenly choir shouted Hallelujah and praised God to the utmost upon her arrival.

After the death of her husband, Mother Holmes pursued and received an AA Degree in Computer Science from Trade Technical College in 1987 and for over fifteen years, worked as a Supervisor at The Broadway Department Store in downtown Los Angeles.

She joined The Order of Eastern Star where she rose to the position of Associate Worthy Matron of Myra Chapter, C. Devrouax Court, Heroines of Jericho, Secretary/Treasurer; became the Grand Illustrious Priestess of Tabitha Grand Council of Crusaders where she represented the State of CA at National Conventions; Salaam Grand Court Order of Amaranth and Illustrious Commandress of the Daughters of Isis. Later, she was elected President of the Elect Ladies Guild, a position held and served faithfully up until her demise. During the past three years, the extra delight of her life was her “Girls”.

She leaves to cherish precious and loving memories, her devoted family, a daughter, Mother Sandra Taylor of West Covina, CA.; a son, Deacon Maurice Holmes (Deaconess Yolanda Denine) of Los Angeles; two Grandsons, Deacon Kamau Taylor ( Evangelist Jasmine) of Frisco, TX. and Kristofer Reese Holmes of Los Angeles; two Great Grand Daughters (Kamaura and Jasmine Taylor) of Frisco, TX.; God Daughters (Kelli and Kara Stanford and Tristen Jones) all of Los Angeles; four Sister-in-Laws (Martha Percy and Lillie Mae Holmes) of Los Angeles; Emma McGee and Arlene Woods of Compton, one Brother-in-Law (William Holmes) of Kerr, AK.; many special Masonic Brothers and Sisters, a host of very special and beloved Nieces and Nephews, her Pastor, the Sinai Church Family, other Relatives and many, many friends.