Deborah L. Holmes

Debbie passed peacefully at her home in Sarasota, Florida on Sunday, September 13th, 2026. Minutes after her passing, the brightest sunrise illuminated the morning sky and her cherished backyard garden came to life.

She is survived by her high school sweetheart and devoted husband of 52 years, James “Jim” Holmes. Married on August 31st, 1974 after graduating from Riverview High School the same year.

Debbie was employed as a Seamstress at Country Store Interiors for over 20 years where her coworkers became family. She was a founding member of the SGA (Southern Grannies Association). Taking breaks in between employment to raise her children and later help raise her grandchildren and great niece.

Before retirement, Debbie worked in the Assembly Department at Sun Hydraulics where she made many friends and had a reputation of being a diligent worker and role model with the motto “whistle while you work”.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her Mother, Esther Rhodes (Eddie). Children, Nikki Smith (Mark) and Cody Holmes (Alana). Grandchildren, Ashlynn Smith, Chase Holmes and Carson Holmes. Siblings, Tammy Rexrode (her favorite Sister), Jim Rexrode (Penny) and Mathew Rexrode. Nieces, Danielle Jackson, Haley Sargent (Bryce) and Cayla Rexrode. Great Nieces, Lauryn Jackson and Emily Jackson. Nephews, Brandon Rexrode and Austin Rexrode. Step mother, Liz Walton. Beloved Mother in Law, Gae Holmes. Brothers in Law, Jeff Holmes (Brenda) and Bobby Holmes. She is preceded in death by her Father, James Rexrode and Father in Law, Tom Holmes.

Debbie was known for her immense love of Family, her Faith and finding joy in the small moments. She knew the importance of having gatherings full of love, quality time, great food and loud laughter!

When asked how to cook her recipes, there were no exact measurements or time constraints, she would simply list the ingredients and tell you to measure with your heart and cook until it looks right. No one could make a Carrot Cake quite like Mama Dukes!

She was someone you could tell your troubles to when you didn’t know where to turn. She would come to the rescue with all of her Motherly love and advice, the warmest hugs and always let you know that you were her “Favorite”!

Debbie enjoyed watching football. Go Gators, unless of course FSU was playing and Roll Tide if Alabama was on the field! She loved NASCAR (Rowdy#8 and DaleJR#88), little computer games, a trip to the pool for some sun and margaritas, covering her home in pictures of all her favorite people, sewing quilts, reading and sitting by her fire pit with a glass of her homemade Sangria on cold nights. Sunday morning coffee chats at the in laws, lunches with friends and reminiscing the good old days with her “Clark Meadows Gang”. She loved to garden and had a green thumb for growing tomatoes, sunflowers, orchids and desert roses especially. A little competitive by nature, you knew better than to try her at Tether Ball because she came to win!

Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Granny, Aunt Deb to many and a wonderful friend to all.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

No Service will be held at this time. Family and Friends are encouraged to share a memory or favorite photo on her online memorial page.