Ethel Nell Holmes

Nell was a graduate of the old L.C. Anderson High School, class of 1962. She attended Houston-Tillotson University and later became owner of Holmes Maintenance with her husband, Eugene Holmes. They built a successful company enabling other entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.

Nell was well known for her singing voice and high soprano sound. She sang with Alexander Gospelettes. She was lead songstress in the Seventh Day Adventist Church Choir. She also sang with Mt. Sinai Baptist Church Choir. She was invited to sing overseas in several international choirs. Her signature songs were The Lord’s Prayer (which she sang at all of her kids’ weddings), Fill My Cup Lord, and she would make up special songs for her grandkids.

She was a talented seamstress making everything from pillow cases to wedding dresses. She sewed by sight making her own patterns and designs. She volunteered to alter soldiers uniforms and so on their promotional patches.

Nell was an excellent cook. Her kids’ favorite was salmon croquettes with homemade biscuits. Her kids loved that she would allow them to have breakfast for dinner. She taught her grandsons to cook- they all started out making cornbread. Homemade pound cake and peach cobbler were her specialties. Her family loved meeting at her house for Soul Food Sundays.

Everyone knew you could not call or visit her at 11:00 a.m., because she was a devout Young and the Restless fan. She wouldn’t even allow her beloved grandkids to interrupt her show. She loved watching HGTV, MSNBC, and Wheel of Fortune.

She was the president of Sims PTA where she helped improve the welfare of students. She was a board member for the Givens Recreation Center for over 20 years, where she helped to develop programs to empower the youth. She was a member of the Mount Sinai Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor A.W. Anthony Mays, and later joined Abundant Life Community Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor DeChard I.H.M. Freeman, until her passing.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Allie Lee and Johnnie Mae Alexander, her husband, Eugene Holmes, grandkids, Nipsee Collins and Kamari Collins.

Her faithfulness and love for God will be carried on by her children, Sheila L. Alexander, Archette F. Alexander, Aubrey Holmes, Sr. (Cassie), and Eugene Holmes, Jr. (Jennifer), Toures Houston (Nunu) and grandkids Aubrey Holmes, Jr., Jazz Collins, Genesis Holmes, Emilee Holmes, Destiny Miller, Christopher and Jurnee Holmes, the loves of her life.

She also leaves to grieve, her siblings, Ann Tatum, Mary C. Anderson, William Alexander (Carla) and Bobby Lynn Alexander. Nieces Melissa Craney, Cheryl Hill (Ricky) and great nephews Jamal Shabazz, Malik Ross and Tykell Hill, along with a host of dear family and friends.