Connie Merle Holmes, of Foxworth, Mississippi, passed from this life into God's presence at the age of 94. She was born to Dudley and Eva Mae Alford in her family home in Foxworth where she has remained a lifelong resident. Merle has lived on her father's land her entire life and being raised on a farm, learned the value of hard work at an early age. She was a graduate of Marion - Walthall High School in Darbun. Merle carried her work ethic into her adult life as she and her husband work tirelessly running their dairy and beef cattle business. A quiet woman of deep faith in her Lord, she was faithful member of Antioch Baptist Church all of her life. Merle was devoted to her family and loved her family deeply. She was an excellent cook who always enjoyed preparing meals for gatherings of family and friends. Merle will be remembered for being an incredible Maw Maw and for her love of God's Word. She was a prolific reader and devoured the Scripture daily. Though she is terribly missed, the family takes comfort in the knowledge that she has been reunited with her beloved husband worshiping in the fullness of God's Glory.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Henry Holmes; a son, Dennis Holmes, a granddaughter, Amy Thornhill; and a grandson, Douglas Ray Holmes. Merle is survived by three daughters, Connie Stampley (Austin), Regina Raynes (Billy Jack), and Betti Franklin (Gary); a son, Doug Holmes (Shelia); eight grandchildren, Terri Jo Stringer-Peavy (Larry), Joy Stringer (Barry), Jason Raynes (Kristi), Joshua Raynes (Kayla), Scott Raynes (Jodi), Dr. James A. Franklin, Chase Franklin, and LeAnn Holmes; 17 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
There will be a funeral service to celebrate Merle's life at Colonial Funeral Home on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 3:00pm. Friends may visit with the family from 1:00pm until service time. The service will be officiated by Reverend Cory Odom with personal remarks by Anna Kennedy Matherne. Merle will be laid to rest in the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.
