BOOKER T WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
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JOHN EDWARD HOLMES. Born
November 13, 1924, he was the only child of Rosetta Williams and Wallace
Holmes. He was fondly called "John Eddie" by his mother while being
raised in the quiet rural community of Cordova, Tennessee. He attended
Cordova Colored School and graduated with highest honor and deportment.
After the family moved to Memphis, he enrolled in B. T. Washington High
School and attended there until he was inducted into the United States
Army during World War II. He was stationed at Camp Lee in Virginia. John
served his country with honor and distinction having received earned
certificates in engineering while stationed at Camp Lee. These skills
along with other talents helped him to find employment after receiving
an honorable discharge for his services. He worked many odd jobs doing
electrical repair and painting until he was employed at the United
States Postal Service. John worked in many departments during those 36
years and retired after driving an eighteen wheeler through the streets
of Shelby County "honking" at every familiar face he recognized. He met
the love of his life, and married Thelma Louise Jennings in 1954. To
this union six lovely children were born. They celebrated the "50th"
wedding anniversary with family and friends in the fall of 2004. The
Holmes family were among the first residents to move into the Belle Air
Subdivision in South Memphis. John was very active in the community and
participated in all meetings and activities that promoted the upkeep and
safety for all families. He loved the fellowship with all of his
neighbors. As a strong believer in education and being an excellent
provider, John often worked part-time jobs in order to help defray the
cost of their children's education. They, like their father, were honor
students. They received scholarships and completed their studies at
different colleges and universities with degrees in their fields of
endeavor. These accomplishments made John very proud! He was able to
attend the graduation of all six children. John was a faithful member of
Beulah Baptist Church. He joined under the pastorage of Reverend W. C.
Holmes. He participated in all aspects of church life. He enjoyed
singing with the Men's Choir during the "Men's Day Celebrations". Being
a man of many talents, John was frequently called upon to do repairs
that required his expertise. John's life speaks volumes - it tells of
his love and commitment to a true and living God, it echoes his love for
family, and his service to man, it reverberates his joy in doing for
others. His warm energetic and generally happy nature meant that he met
no strangers. Many of his friends, neighbors, and family members can
attest to this love. Everyone was welcomed to his home to enjoy good
food and fellowship. Just as he gave much, much was given back to him.
His family and friends gave their time, assistance, and love during his
lengthy illness. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife and best
friends for 54 years, Thelma and six beautiful children who each possess
facets of his personality, Dr. Joye L. Holmes-Bolton (Edmund) of
Oakbrooke, IL, Anthony W. Holmes (Lolita) of Antioch, TN, Carolyn Holmes
Mitchner (Keith) of Memphis, TN, Faye Holmes-Anderson (Enrico) of Perry,
GA, Rose Holmes Shelton and Rodney L. Holmes, both of Memphis, TN;
fourteen beloved grandchildren, Ayana Holmes, Keith Mitchner, Jr., Keith
Shelton, Britney Holmes, Quinton Banks, Kristen Mitchner, Kiera Holmes,
Celeste Mitchner, Monique Anderson, Enrico Anderson II, Tyrone Ordon,
Jerone Ordon, Alita Ordon, and John Robert Shelton; one brother-in-law,
Bennie Jennings Jr. (Gladys); and a host of devoted nephews, nieces and
an abundance of loving and supportive friends. Also a lovable "Father
Figure" to Allan and Allayne Turner. The funeral services will be held
at Beulah Baptist Church on June 23, 2008at 11 a.m. A viewing will be
held at M. J. Edwards Funeral Home Airways, June 22, from 2-4 p.m. M. J.
Edwards Funeral Home Airways 901-327-9360 To Contact Us: |
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