Loretta Denise Grantham Holmes

Loretta Grantham Holmes, 74, of Shepherdstown, WV, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend was peacefully called into God’s eternal presence on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. Loretta was born on May 31, 1950, to the late Ethel Virginia Grantham and George Rogers Holmes.

She was a life-long dedicated member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Shepherdstown, WV. She served faithfully in many leadership capacities which included Sunday school teacher, Staff Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, UM Women’s committee, and President of the Ambassadors of Christ Choir of which she was given the utmost respect and was affectionately known as “Madam President”. She loved her Asbury family, and they loved her as well.

Throughout her life, she was the epitome of a devoted employee and demonstrated an exceptional work ethic. She retired from Shepherd University after 40 years of service and was recognized by former president Susanne Shipley with an Emeritus honor. She was always punctual, dedicated, disciplined, focused, professional, and productive. She went to work in any weather and always gave her best. She was taught by her mom and instilled these traits in her daughters. Always taking care of her family.

Known for her radiant smile, Loretta had an infectious love for her family and helping others. She never wanted to see anyone go without. She always put others before herself. She had a love for cooking delightful meals, trying new recipes and the well-loved dishes by all who tried them. She was famous for her macaroni & cheese, potato salad, chicken salad, vegetable soup, pork chops, fried cabbage, sauerkraut, chipped beef gravy, stuffing & gravy, and so much more. Whatever her children and grandchildren wanted she made just for them. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree as she learned so much from her mother Ethel. She truly made her mom proud. Her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. She would start buying food months in advance. She always made sure that she had enough food for everyone.

Given the title of matriarch to the family; she wore it proudly. She earned the respect and gained the wisdom to enrich the family. She took pride in keeping her family together. She helped with coordinating family gatherings and made sure that everyone attended. Even if they didn’t want to come, she would say “You better be there.” Her entire family gave her the crown that she deserved. She was the rock and always demonstrated that love for her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces & nephews, cousins, friends, and those she knew or didn’t know. She truly loved her family, and her wishes would be for the family to stay strong, love each other unconditionally and be there for each other. She lived the life of God first, Family second.

Loretta leaves behind her beloved children; Tonya F. Holmes-Weller of Shepherdstown, WV, Yolanda M. Lambert (Sherman) of Martinsburg, WV, Katrina L. Rosario (Paul) of Shepherdstown, WV; her 6 grandchildren, Christopher Lambert (Ta’Shaya) of Daytona Beach, FL, Kiana Weller of Shepherdstown, WV, Tyler Lambert and Dustin Weller of Martinsburg, WV, and Elijah and Gabriela Rosario of Shepherdstown, WV; she also helped in raising her nephew Cory Grantham of Martinsburg, WV. After the passing of her sisters, Tracy Y. Grantham and Bridget D. Grantham; her maternal mode kicked in once again and she was instrumental in helping to raise and support their children Keisha Thomas of Nashville, TN, Khalil Brown of Shepherdstown, WV, and Jeremy and Shayla Cooper of Martinsburg, WV. She also leaves behind her loving siblings; Vivian Clark, Andrea Lawson (Byron), and Cheryl Jones (Samuel) all of Shepherdstown, WV. Victor Holmes (Delena), Kim Holmes, and Todd Grantham, all of Martinsburg, WV, Don Holmes (Judy) of Charles Town, WV, Brian Holmes (Linda) of Hagerstown, MD, and Lisa Williams (Dennis) of Shenandoah Junction, WV. In addition to her siblings, she also leaves behind a special adopted daughter, Aniquia “Nikki” Hart of Ranson, WV, a special cousin Sophia Cowan, of Landover, Maryland, her uncle George Grantham (Marcina) of Martinsburg, WV; her godchildren, Joshua Brown, Tameika Dennis, Jaren Williams, and Christopher Richardson; a host of very close nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, as well as countless cousins, friends, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, maternal grandparents Lucinda Kidrick and Henry H. Grantham Sr; paternal grandmother Clarissa Branson; uncles Henry Grantham Jr. and Clarence Holmes; aunt Carrie Ann Mosby, great aunts Blanche Washington and Zelia Reed, great uncle Edger Kidrick; son-in-law Donald Weller; her oldest nephew, Ricky D. Clark, and great nephew Robert Williams Jr.

Services will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024,

Viewing-10:00 am Celebration of Life at 11:00 am.

Asbury United Methodist Church

4257 Kearneysville Pike,

Shepherdstown, WV 25443

Rev. Dr. Derek Shackelford Officiating

Rev. Ernest D. Lyles, Sr., Eulogy.

Final Arrangements entrusted to:

Rosedale Funeral Home Services

917 Cemetery Road

Martinsburg, WV 25404

Place of Interment:

Pleasant View Memory Gardens

2938 Charles Town Road

Kearneysville, WV 25430