Ms. Carol Joy Holmes

Carol Joy Holmes came into God’s earth on the twenty-sixth day of February in the year 1944. On this day, nearly 77 years ago, God blesses Casey and Pearl Holmes with a fun-loving, imaginative, and inquisitive daughter that touched the lives of many over the period of her lifetime. She was born and grew up in Third Ward Houston, Texas. Even as an adult, she maintained her Third Ward pride. She received her education and training from Dotson Elementary, Ryan Middle and Jack Yates Senior High Schools. She also received training and education from Franklin Beauty School in Houston. She loved creating beautiful hairstyles and loved utilizing the skills she blessed to make women beautiful. She took exceptional pride in her craft.

Carol began her life with Christ as a young child at Mount Olive Baptist Church where Rev Bible was the pastor. She later moved her membership to South Union Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Scott C. Watkins. Carol’s third church was Williams Temple Church of God in Christ where Bishop R.E. Woodard was pastor. Carol remained faithful member of Williams Temple for 10 years. At Williams Temple, Carol was a consistent Sunday School student, member of both Mass and Women Choir. She loved Bishop Woodard. She rarely called him Bishop Woodard, but “Papa Woodard”, though Williams Temple was a sizable church, Bishop Woodard took time to personally minister to the spiritual needs of Carol. It was at this church Carol sought for the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. Consequently, Carol did not receive the Baptist of the Holy Ghost at Williams Temple. Carol received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost at home in her apartment.

Her last church home was a ministry she spent most of her adult life. Carol became a member of New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in November of 1997. She remained a member until her life’s transition. Carol knew the Pastor of the church Dr. Randall Wade Murphy before she joined New Jerusalem. They were both members of Williams Temple together. Pastor Murphy and Carol were friends while they attended Williams Temple and remained friends for the rest of her life. On Sundays they traveled, worshipped, and broke bread together. God created a friendship in which Pastor Murphy and Carol were an intricate blessing to each other.

Before the twilight days of her life, Carol was an extraordinary tither, supported the building fund and the Sunday School. Though Carol lived on a fixed income, she was one of the highest contributors to New Jerusalem COGIC for many years. Carol served as a nurse, member of the Mass Choir and was a faithful member of the New Jerusalem Y.P.WW. Her contributions and sacrifices to New Jerusalem COGIC over the years will never be forgotten. She loved to play dominos and cards. In addition, she loved to eat good did. Among her favorite snacks were Snickers and Coca-Cola.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents Casey and Pearl Holmes; her siblings Annie Rice, Peggy Brazile, Alvin Holmes Sr. and Casey Holmes Jr. The survivors of Carol legacy include her daughter who cared for her faithfully during the twilight of her life – Sis Latanya Holmes; her grandson Devante Xavier and precious granddaughters Hattie Laneal and Jadah Kheomi. Carol leaves one sister in Los Angeles, CA Georgia Holmes and a brother in Houston, TX Leonard Holmes. In addition, Carol leaves a future son-in law to be Mr. Jeffrey Brewer and a grandson-in law to be Mr. Londarrius Smith and a host of nieces, nephews and friends form across the United States of America.