ELIZABETH ANN THOMPSON HOLMES

July 9, 1945 - February 19, 2022

Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Thompson Holmes passed away Saturday morning, February 19, 2022 at her residence in the loving care of her family at the age of 76. She was the daughter of the late Lizzie Hairston Arledge and Bill Thompson and was born in Winston Salem.

She had valiantly persevered through the ravages of dementia and language dysfunction since 2014 with admirable success until recently.

She was educated through the Winston Salem Forsyth County school system, having graduated from Paisley High School in 1965. She graduated from Hampton University in 1969, where she met and married her husband of 53 years, Harold Holmes.  Two daughters Deidre (Roger) Berry and Monica (Monty) Gray resulted from that union.

Until her health began to fail, she was a faithful member of the parish of St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, serving in a number of capacities over time, to include re-establishing the Children's Choir and active membership in St. Monica's Guild.

She retired from Integon Corp. (now GMAC) in December 1998 to be a stay-at-home grandmother to her 5 grandchildren as they arrived.

She was active in community service work, having been a member of the inaugural Project Blueprint class to identify persons of color to serve on various non-profit boards.

Ann is survived by her husband Harold; daughters, Deidre and Monica; five grandchildren, Cameron and Alese Berry, William, David and Amelia Gray; brother-in-law, Kirby (Donna) Holmes; niece Shanique Holmes; nephews, Ronn (Wendy) Holmes and Dana (Aneliese) Townsend; and a host of beloved relatives from the Hairston, Holmes and Berry families.

Ann was a loving spirit, cheerful and friendly to all she encountered. She took the most pride in being a wife, mother and grandmother, and for those qualities we will forever cherish her memory.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Trellis Supportive Care for their supremely compassionate care through the final days of Ann's earthly journey.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 25, 2022 at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, 1625 E. 12th Street, Winston Salem, NC. The family will receive friends at 10:00 am, followed by the Mass at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Gardens, 2730 Peters Creek Parkway, Winston Salem, NC.  Online condolences can be made at www.russellfuneralservice.com (RUSSELL).