Gwendolyn Elizabeth Walton Holmes was born on February 5, 1929 to the late Olin Vivian and Thelma Green Walton. She was also preceded in death by three children: Robert Carroll Holmes, Steven Paul Holmes, and Deborah Holmes Seerley; and a grandson, Robert Matthew Tyner. She is survived by her husband of 75 years, Paul Carroll Holmes; daughter Mary Beth Holmes Tyner (Ty), grandchildren: Jennifer Tyner Aspinwall, Alex Holmes (Jennifer), Erin Abel (Trent), Spencer Holmes (Maggie), and Bobby Holmes, as well as ten (10) great-grandchildren.
Gwen was a life-long member of Young Harris Memorial United Methodist Church. She loved the church and lived out her faith with much service to the Methodist Church. She served the church in many capacities, including organist, pianist, UMW, Board, and held several positions of leadership at Young Harris as well as the district.
After her faith, her greatest love was her family. She and Paul were fortunate to be able to be together for so many years. They traveled to the Holy Land, England, Ireland, and Austria. Gwen enjoyed being a stay-at-home mother nurturing her children. She was well known for her cooking skills and served many, many home-cooked meals.
She was also a devoted Bulldog fan. She loved the University of Georgia. Paul and she went to so many football and basketball games, traveling to many out-of-town games.
The family would like to especially thank Cindy Boyd and Aster and Angels Sitters for the love they have shown Gwen and Paul this past year. Their gentleness and kindness have been remarkable.
Funeral services will be held at Young Harris Memorial United Methodist Church on Thursday, May 5, at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive guests at the church an hour prior to the service. Graveside services will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Reverends Dan Crawford and Luis Ortiz will preside over the service.
The pallbearers are Alex Holmes, Spencer Holmes, Bobby Holmes, Eric Ashley, Will Kelly, Mike Martenson, Steve Middlebrooks, and Chuck Phillips.
Contributions in Gwen's memory may be made to Young Harris Memorial United Methodist Church Building Fund, 973 Prince Ave., Athens, Georgia 30606.
