Paula Colleen Holmes

East Lansing, Michigan

Paula C. Holmes (Cliffe), 85, special wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and teacher was born

April 9, 1925 to Charles and Beatrice Cliffe in Lakeview, Mi. and died on March 16, 2011 from a

traumatic head injury after a fall. Paula knew and loved the Lord Jesus and so she is now enjoying a new

and glorious life in heaven.

Ever since playing “Captain Corky” in a high school play, she has been known to family and friends as

“Corky”. She attended Wheaton College and Michigan State University. Later in life she earned one

Master’s degree in English as a Second Language and another in African Literature from the State

University of NY at Stony Brook.

She was working on staff with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship when she met John Holmes and married

him in 1952. They lived in Africa for 15 years and then moved to New York where they both taught at

the Stony Brook School until their retirement in 1990. Paula taught English and English as a Second

Language. The couple also taught in India, Ecuador and the Philippines. Paula and John had a passion for

using their skills to serve God and others all over the world.

One week after John died (2008), Paula was asked how she was doing and replied “I was married for 56

wonderful years and I have nothing to feel sorry for myself about.” She continued to serve on the

missions committee at her church and to befriend and tutor international students at her home.

Most important to Paula was her love for God, family and others. Paula is predeceased by her husband

John, sister Nanette, brother Charles and brother-in-law George. She is survived by two daughters

Wendy and Marna and one son David (Lucy). She has 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren:

Corinne (22), Luke (20), Nathan (16), Joshua (13), Naomi (10), Esther (8), Dave (27), Tim (24), Peter (22)

with wife Katie and children Emma Joy (3) and Oliver James (1 month), and Steve (19) with fiancée,

Haley and daughter, Jennifer Anne (1 month). Paula is also survived by her sister Jan, and brothers

David (Anne) and Buz (Barb). Paula has many other wonderful relatives and friends and is grateful for all

of them.

Please join her family in celebrating God’s goodness and Paula’s life on Saturday, March 19 at

University Reformed Church 4930 S. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing. Viewing and family visitation will be

at 3:00 pm followed by the memorial service at 4:00 pm. This will be followed by a reception at the

church. On Sunday, March 20 at 12:45 pm there will be a processional from University Reformed

Church to North Cemetery on Miller Rd. where the graveside service will take place. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Stony Brook School, Stony Brook, NY

11790 – student scholarship fund or University Reformed Church – missions fund, 4930 S. Hagadorn Rd.,

E. Lansing 48823.

Condolences and reminiscences may be e-mailed to the family at: [email protected]. Special

thanks for the support and prayers of so many. The family is also grateful

for the wonderful care provided by members of University Reformed Church (I Thes. 1:2-3). The family

is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. On line condolences may be made

at www.gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com