Edna Luvella Holmes, affectionately known as “Mother”, was born in Canton, MS, January 22, 1933, to Johnnie Wesley Sr. and Frankie Delois James. She was the eldest born to this union.

Preceding her in death were four of her children, Frankie Delois James, Vanessa Diane Holmes, Horace Bernard Holmes, and John Murray Holmes Sr.; her sisters and brothers, Susie Robinson, Johnnie W. James Jr., Emmanuel James, Clara Marie James, Otha Grant James and Thomas Estes James.

“Mother” accepted Christ at an early age and united with Christ Temple Church of Christ Holiness USA,

907 S. Lauderdale in Memphis, Tennessee, under the leadership of Elder Askerneese. She then joined First Church of Christ Holiness under the leadership

of Elder C.N. Ricks, where Elder Melvin L. Hobbs M.D., is now Pastor, under whom she served faithfully until her health failed.

Mother was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1954. She worked diligently on the reunion committee.

She worked at Goodwill Industries as a Dispatcher, then Mark Luttrell Correctional Center and Memphis Mental Health Institute as a Switchboard Operator from where she retired.

Mother was a faithful member of The Gospel Family under the direction of the late great Deborah A. Davis, where she served as an Advisor for more than 25 years.

During her retirement years, she kept herself busy by working at the FedEx Forum as a Lead Concession Attendant and at this stand, she popped the best popcorn in the arena. She also spent her time volunteering as a chaperone for the Westwood High School Band, covering a myriad of posts including uniform coordinator and ticket sales. She also participated in her community’s Neighborhood Watch program, and she loved to travel.

Mother took care of so many. Her great-grandson said it best… “she [was] the Mother of us all.”

To cherish her memory, she leaves two children, Paula D. Turner (Darryl) and Charles L. James; two sisters, Doris Louise Smith and Minnie Lee James; nine grandchildren, Christopher M. James (Angie), Erika D. Lucas (Lance), Carla S. Bell (Ronnie), Danielle Dillard, Jonnitha Nelson (Johnny), Jonathan Holmes, John M. Holmes, Jr., Jonnicia J. Holmes, and Kevin B. Holmes; twelve great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.