Dorothy Marie Holmes

Mrs. Dorothy Marie Medlock Holmes was born July 11, 1933 in Lowndes County, Alabama.  She was the seventh child born to the late George and Essie Medlock. 

Mrs. Holmes was reared in a Christian home that formed the foundation of her generous and nurturing spirit—always on duty to help those in need, bereaved, or ill.  She has served God’s people in the church, community and even in Europe

Life Member Holmes joined Johns Chapel in 1960 when her late husband, Reverend Eli Holmes, Jr., was stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama.  To say that Mrs. Holmes loved her church is an understatement.  She supported her church in every way, always going above and beyond what was asked or expected. She was a member of the Johns Chapel Perpetual Trust Board. As a former steward and president of the stewardess board at her beloved Johns Chapel AME Church, Mrs. Holmes consistently went the extra mile in fulfilling her duties to serve God’s people.  She was a member of the Young Adult Choir and the Sounds of Joy Choir, harmonizing in alto or tenor.  She was also former president of the Usher Board, ensuring that the doorkeepers of the House of the Lord were well trained to fulfill their duties.  After her stellar service as a member of the Women’s Missionary Society for over 50 years, Mrs. Holmes was awarded the cherished honor of Life Member in the WMS 2010.  Her hats, gloves and stylish church attire were her tribute to being dressed for praise and worship in the House of the Lord.  And so, her hats are worn today in her honor. 

She put her creativity and style to good use  as a Fashion Fair representative at the Fort Rucker Post Exchange (PX) for many years, where she made many lasting friendships.

She was a remarkable Red Cross volunteer for over 50 years, and a staunch supporter of Habitat for Humanity,

working alongside her husband.  She served as the Captain of Johns Chapel’s Relay for Life Team for several years, and was recognized as the individual raising the highest monetary donations within the County for the last few years. 

Her response to the news of her nomination as 2014 Woman of the Year in Enterprise, Alabama was one of surprise, wondering why she was selected as the Coffee County American Cancer Society’s nominee.  She was uneasy about public accolades about her mission work; but after considerable encouragement from family and friends, she consented to the nomination.  Also on the Civic front, she received special recognition for her service by Club Yesepoch of Enterprise at their annual Black History Month Banquet. 

 Mrs. Holmes was joined in holy matrimony to the late Reverend Eli Holmes, Jr. on May 17, 1951.  He described her as “the Love of My Life” and “the only woman I ever loved.”

Mrs. Holmes was surrounded by family on Friday, February 4, 2022 when she departed this world for peaceful rest from her labor. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Eli Holmes, Jr.; her sons, Dan Holmes, and Eugene Holmes; her parents and siblings; and one grandson, Dorian McGowan.

Cherishing the sweet memories of this Woman of God are her six children:  George Holmes, Cincinnati, Ohio; Carolyn Holmes, Enterprise, Alabama; Eli Holmes III, Montgomery, Alabama; Alexander Holmes and his wife, Norma, El Paso, Texas; Gwen Holmes, Griffin, Georgia; and Barbara Holmes Fields, Enterprise, Alabama; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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