"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

On Sunday, July 24, 2022, Mother Bernice Mae Holmes passed away peacefully. She was born in Sussex County on December 2, 1927, to the late Rev. Alex and Ida Jones. Mother Holmes attended Sussex County Training School in Sussex, Virginia.

Mother Holmes was employed at Fort Lee, Seward & Luggage, John Randolph Hospital, J C Penney, and the College of William and Mary. After working for 18 years at the College of William, she retired in April 1991 as Supervisor for the Housekeeping Department.

Mother was very active in her community. She was affiliated with the Sussex Surry Department of Social Services as a foster parent, a past member of the Home Extension Club, and was a member of the Surry County Special Education Advisory Committee. She served on the Surry Senior Citizens Advisory Board and was a member of the Surry County Senior Citizens Choir. In her leisure time, she enjoyed working with the youth, reading, traveling, and crocheting (dolls, hats, and afghans.) Mother Holmes was very supportive of education. She instilled in her children the value of a good education. Six of her children obtained college degrees, four of which were in education. Mother Holmes and her late husband would often tell their children if they got a good education no one could ever take it from them.

One of Mother's favorite scriptures was 2 Timothy 2:15 which states "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Mother Holmes joined Zion Hill Pentecostal Church of Christ Holiness at an early age. She was the State Mother of the Pentecostal Churches of Christ Holiness, Virginia, and North Carolina.

Mother Holmes was a faithful and dedicated member of Zion Hill Pentecostal Church of Christ. She blessed the church and the body of Christ with her skills and talents in the following capacities: first musician aged 9 under the leadership of her father, Rev. Alex Jones, who was also the founder of Zion Hill Holiness Church; Sunday School teacher, pianist, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Senior Choir member, Pastor's Aide Committee member, Kitchen, and Hospitality Committee member, Missionary President, Trustee, Treasurer, member of the Cousinettes, Southern District Missionary President, and State Mother of the Pentecostal Body of Christ Holiness.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Rev. Alex and Ida Jones, husband, Robert Holmes, Sr., one daughter, Dr. Joyce Baker, and siblings Samuel Jones, Selbert Jones, and Grace Turner.

Mother Holmes leaves to cherish her memories two sons, Dr. James Jones (Alberta), LTC (Retired) Robert Holmes, Jr. (Gaynelle), five daughters, Ilona Wilkins (Oscar, deceased), Dr. Marion Wilkins, (Oliver-deceased), Dr. Barbara Brown, Jacqueline Hadley (Apostle Joseph), Candice Holmes-Jones, 18 grandchildren, over 24 great-grandchildren, over 15 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to her devoted caregiver Elonda Clary.

A Homegoing Service for Mrs. Holmes will be 11:00am Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Zion Hill Holiness Church 4424 Spring Branch Road, Waverly, Virginia.

Public viewing 11:00am-5:00pm, Friday, July 29, 2022, at Peace Funeral Home, 237 Railroad Avenue, Waverly, Virginia.

Click the link to watch the Live Stream: https://www.facebook.com/events/593610052484995/

***Facial Covering and social distancing are required, seating is limited.***