Will Gaines Holmes

Will Gaines Holmes, beloved wife, mother, friend and colleague died on May 23rd, 2017, at age 105. Mrs. Holmes was born on January 10, 1912, in Lafayette, AL. to Dr. William D. Gaines and his wife Leila Tucker Gaines.

She is predeceased by her parents, husband, Benjamin Franklin Holmes, and her sister Mamie Gaines Germany. She is survived by her only child, Benjamin (Ben) Gaines Holmes, a host of extended family members and many loyal friends.

Mrs. Holmes attended Judson College, graduated in 1932, and soon after, she began teaching in Wilcox County. Subsequently, she served as the attendance officer in St. Clair County where absenteeism was typical during the Depression and forced many children to help their families make a living. She took post-graduate courses at the University of Chicago, Smith College, the University of Montevallo and Tulane University. From 1938 to 1940 she served as a WPA social worker to families and communities in south Alabama. In 1940 she met Ben Holmes, and they married in August of that year and moved to Decatur, AL.

In 1944 they welcomed their son, Benjamin Gaines. Ben Senior served in Europe until 1946. Upon his return, the couple moved to Birmingham.

Mrs. Holmes began her career at Children’s Aid Society in 1952 and served as the Executive Director from 1966 until her retirement in 1977. Her retirement was short-lived as she was quickly recruited to work for Catholic Family Services as acting director and remained until the new director, Ray Donlevy, was fully engaged. The two remained great friends until Ray’s death.

She will be remembered for her many accomplishments, both personal and professional, for her interesting presentations, her great sense of style, her philanthropy, her advocacy on behalf of children, her legacy at Children’s Aid and First Presbyterian Church, and her wonderful, sometimes bawdy sense of humor. But most of all, she will be remembered for her great love of her family, her friends, her church, her community and, most especially, her two Bens and their devotion to her.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 26th, from 5:30PM to 7:30PM at Ridout’s Valley Chapel. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 27th, at 11:30AM at First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Children’s Aid Society of Alabama, 2141-14th Avenue South, Birmingham, Al 35205 or on-line at http://www.childrensaid.org/support_us/donate_now.html or to the First Presbyterian Church, 2100-4th Avenue N., 35203.

Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.