Iva Lee Holmes

Velma Iva Lee Holmes, our beloved matriarch whose life was a testament to humility, selflessness, and unwavering faith, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on May 26, 2024. 

Born on November 27, 1927, in Woodville, Iva Lee was the embodiment of Christ-like love and patience. She dedicated her life to the simple yet profound acts of caring for others, especially her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her home in Honey Island was a haven for our generations of young ones, who were drawn to her gentle spirit and endless capacity for love. She had a natural ability to nurture, teaching through her actions the values of kindness, compassion, and faith. She was known for her homemade peanut butter pies, her gentle hands that wiped away many tears, her listening ear that was always ready to hear the concerns of others, and a warm and loving nature that made everyone who knew her feel welcome and accepted.

Iva Lee's life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her family and Jesus Christ. A devout believer, Iva Lee spent countless hours in prayer and scripture reading, finding strength and hope in the words of the Bible. She was a pillar for her family and shared her faith quietly but powerfully, always living every aspect of her life according to the teachings of Christ. She was known to quote many of her favorite verses including Psalm 91:9-10 (KJV): "Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling."

As a woman of hope and steadfastness, Iva Lee faced life’s challenges with a serene and hopeful heart. She was much loved by her extensive family, who saw in her a beacon of unwavering love and stability. Her legacy is one of quiet strength, enduring faith, and a love that knew no bounds. She leaves behind a family deeply grateful for her life and the countless ways she enriched theirs. Iva Lee will be dearly missed but her spirit of love and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life well-lived in the service of others, a life that truly reflected the love of Christ.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Pastor David Earl Holmes and spouse Cathy, and Daniel Holmes and spouse Martha; daughter, Virginia Ann Lawrence; sister, Dorothy Frazier; sister-in-law, Mary Alice Duce; grandchildren, Charla Brown and spouse Chad, Christiaan Lawrence, David Allen Freesmeyer and spouse Shelley, Brittany Clement and spouse Gunnar, Josh Holmes, Amy Rafferty and spouse Joseph, Jason Collins, Andrew Havard, Riley Marcentell, and John Holmes; great-grandchildren, Gabrielle Brown, Christian Brown, Andrea Lawrence, Ashton Buck, Mikayla Rafferty, Brandon Rafferty, Allisen Freesmeyer, Sadie Freesmeyer, Rhett Clement, and Ryker Clement; and great-great-grandson, Evan Faust.

Preceding her in death include her husband, Wilburn Holmes; father, Allen B. Pate; mother, Sadie Moore Pate Holmes; step-father and father-in-law, Reverend W.D. Holmes; son, Windell Eugene Holmes; brother, J.E. Pate; sisters, Alene Yawn and Lou Dell Bolding; and great-granddaughter, Emily Ann Lawrence.

Serving as pallbearers will be Christiaan Lawrence, David Allen Freesmeyer, Josh Holmes, Riley Marcentell, Tater Holmes, Charles Frazier, Harold Yawn, Daniel Holmes, and David Holmes.

A time 0f visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00a.m., at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Iva Lee’s life honoring funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., at Emmanuel Baptist Church, with Pastor David Holmes officiating. Interment will follow at Jordan Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Iva Lee Holmes, please visit our floral store.