Sis. Geraldine Holmes was born in Talbot County, GA on December 5, 1941 to the late Only & Mattie Bell Branford. She was the fourth of ten children to this couple.
At an early age, she became a member of St. Paul CME Church and later moved her membership to Valley Grove Baptist Church where her husband served faithfully until his death. She was a 1960 graduate of Ruth Carter High School in Talbotton, GA where she was active in many sports. On February 20, 1963 she was united in holy matrimony to the “Love of Her Life” Dea. Marvin Holmes residing in Manchester, GA. To this union four children were born, but she was often a mother figure to many. One year after her graduation from high school she began her career at the Pine Mountain Regional Library in Manchester, GA. She provided 43 years of service to this organization and retired in 2003 to take care of her husband during his declining health.
She was well known for her generosity throughout the neighborhood. She touched so many lives, from the very young, to those that were seasoned with age. She had an impact on everyone that she encountered. She will be missed, but it is now our job to carry on and spread what she shared with others. We have to try to be an inspiration to others as she so often did. Nothing was more important to her than her family and friends. Raised to be a God fearing woman, she was dedicated to her husband, family, friends and her job. She was known for many things such as her "famous biscuits" to her "old time remedies for any ailment", to just offering a listening ear to those in need. She spent so many years of her life taking care of others. She was truly a ROCK and this is her time to REST. A dedicated wife, mother, family member, friend, provider and inspiration to everyone she encountered…..She will truly be missed! Sis Holmes departed this life on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at Dekalb Medical Center in Decatur, GA with her children and family by her side.
Those left to cherish fond memories are: her four children: Dale (Sabrina) Holmes, Sophia (Gary) Lewis, Felicia Holmes (Lee Smith Jr), Cornelius (Allison) Holmes; honorary daughters: Michelle (Michael) Brightmon, Shareca Branford, Diandra Hamler, Shalisha Winslow and Jamie Norman; honorary sons: Vargus Owens, Demetrius Branford, Artrilus Hamler, Jamauld & Keefe Gamble; five grandchildren: Devon Holmes II, Archie Chappell III, Alexis & Ayanna Lewis and Arrielle Holmes; one brother: Vernon (Skipp) Branford (Cynthia); two sisters: Linda Holmes, Lillian (Walter) Wilson, a host of sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws and an abundance of nieces, nephews, relatives and special friends.
Siblings that preceded her are: Willie Branford, Chester Branford, Dorothy Hamler, Lester Branford, Shirley Neal and Yvonne Hamler. Grandchildren that preceded her are: Archie Chappell Jr and Devin Anthony Holmes.