Debra Sue Holmes of Columbus, Ohio was called to be with the Lord on December 13, 2022, passing away peacefully in her home. Her final wishes were honored and fulfilled by her beloved son, Michael, who lovingly cared for her daily.
Debbie was born on July 19, 1951, to Zelma and Roscoe Holmes in Ironton, Ohio. At 23, she enlisted in the United States Air Force where she served for 33 years, completing most of her service at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. With her dedication, she rose to the rank of Master Sergeant and proudly retired from the military in 2008.
Alongside her military career, Debbie was also a public servant of the State of Ohio, working for the Department of Education for many years. She believed in working hard and in the value of education. She was extremely proud when her son completed nursing school, sharing the news with all who would hear.
Just like her parents, Debbie was fond of traveling and she saw much of the country, and as a cruise master, was a frequent visitor to the Caribbean. Her traveling buddies were cherished siblings and cousins who knew where to get the best deals and how to see the best views. She was the best traveling partner as she always had snacks on hand. Debbie also enjoyed cooking for family and friends. Her most notable dishes were her collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and her world-famous chocolate chip cookies that were made with love. Her fondness for a good gospel beat, Snoopy and Charlie Brown, Pepsi, Starbucks, and popcorn will provide comforting memories of her.
Debbie was a woman of faith, and as such, her spirit was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Zelma and Roscoe; infant twin brothers, Michael and Patrick Holmes; brother, Roscoe Holmes Jr.; cousin, David Ford; nephew, Stanley Phillips Jr.; niece, Candice Deshields; and numerous other family who were there to guide her.
Debbie’s memory and legacy will live on through, her treasured son, Michael Holmes; brother, Reverend Edward S. (Linda) Holmes; sisters, Margaret (William) Henderson and Frances (Clyde) Anderson; nieces and nephews, Crystal (Tim) Shannon, Edward Holmes Jr., Summer (Keenan) Mazion, Jasmine Anderson, and Yusef Anderson; frequent flyer cousins, Benita Reedus, Darren (Bonita) Ford, and Donald (Naomi) Ross; many more adored family, a host of friends, and all those who were blessed to meet her.
Visitation 1:00pm and Funeral 2:00pm Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave.
Interment 12:00pm Friday, December 30, 2022 at Woodland Cemetery in Ironton, OH.
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My best friend in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH and I will miss you so much. You will always be with me. My Girlfriend FOREVER.
My Dear Friend Debbie,
You are a wonderful, considerate and caring friend. Thank you so much for your friendship and fellowship. If I needed anything, you were alway there for me no matter what I needed all through the years. I will alway cherish your love, kindness and support. I love you with a grateful heart and you will be truly missed but you will always be on my heart.
Debbie Holmes I. know where you are! I will miss just seeing you! I will never stop loving you! My Sister from another mother!
Love you Dolores!
Mike my sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom, she was always walking the neighborhood and we would wave as she passed by. She was always easy to talk too, and she loved talking about you! Praying for you , always in our thoughts.
I have been inquiring about Debbie for a long time and checked today…..she’s gone. I know she’s with the Father in Heaven. She was the sweetest person I knew. I’m so sorry that I didn’t get to tell her I love her or to say goodbye. I will miss her and her kindness. Rest well Debbie.
Lavader
This Quiet Beautiful Spirit is now with the people she dearly missed. We can all learn something from Debbie. She was never in a rush. Every word and every laugh that came from her seem perfectly orchestraed. I was blessed to have spent time around the table with her. Fly High Deb…you deserved it.
My deepest condolences to your family. I served with Debra in the Air Force Reserves from 1999 until her retirement in 2008. She was a very kind and amazing woman. We could always depend on Debra at Christmas time to bring us delicious chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies for our unit. Even requests were made to bring special cookies to whomever wanted them and she never disappointed. You can always count on Debra for being extra thoughtful. It was a pleasure to serve with Debra and she will be deeply missed.
Debbie and I graduated together. I will truly miss Debbie. I send my condolences to the family.
Love you my friend. I’ll miss you.
Missing you my friend. Love you always.
To the family and friends of Debra Sue Holmes,
My condolence, and deepest sympathy on the passing of my cousin Debbie Holmes. Though no longer with us, she will be remembered for her love of, and devotion to family and friends; her outstanding military career, as well as, a “no nonsense” approach to life. I know she is in a better place resting with the Lord.
Donald Ross
My condolences to the Holmes family. Debbie was a wonderful woman and she will truly be missed.
Kaltiemba G Howell
Our deepest condolences to the family!!! I will always remember Debbie by her quiet demeanor and pleasant smile at our family reunions. And, yes Michael, I witnessed her love and proudness of you at our Ellis Family Reunions. I feel You gave back what you had been given. God bless you and the Holmes Family.
Charles and Pat
I just found out of the passing of my dear friend. I have been trying to reach her for several years and had not heard back from her. Although we had not communicated recently, I always wondered what happened to her. Debbie and I worked together at the Ohio Dept. Of Education and even were roommates after she returned from the military. I am so sad to hear of her passing. She will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Condolences to her family. Rest in peace my forever friend.
I tried calling her for a year and could not catch up with her. I last saw you at DSCC while I was working. I’ll miss you my sister. Rest in peace my friend.