Mary Alice Simmons Holmes

Mary Alice Simmons Holmes was born on November 15, 1940, in Start, Louisiana, to Ceasar Simmons and Alice Staten Simmons.

She was baptized in Clear Lake River, Rhymes, Louisiana. As a child, she attended Evergreen Baptist Church. Later, the family moved to Monroe, Louisiana, where she became a member of Deuteronomy Baptist Church. She served as the church secretary. She later joined New St. James Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. Charles L. McGee, where she remained until her death. She served as a choir member, President of the Culinary Ministry, and was crowned a mother of the church.

She graduated from Rhymes High School, attended a trade school, His and Hers Beauty School. She also pursued her certification as a food service manager.

She worked for several years as a salesperson in retail, a representative for Avon and Tupperware, and a display salesperson for Home Interior and Gifts. She was also a hairdresser for 35 years.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her husband of 61 years, Thomas W. Holmes, Sr., daughter, Gloria Holmes-Menyweather (Gilson), and son, Thomas W. Holmes, Jr., all of Monroe, Louisiana; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three aunts, Earline Hoffer of Tucson, Arizona, Joanna Bailey of California, and Ceola Johnson of Monroe, Louisiana; five sisters-inlaw; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

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