JENNIFER HOWELL HOLMES
Nov. 7, 1951-May 8, 2017
Jennifer Howell Holmes passed away at Wayne Memorial Hospital May 8, 2017, surrounded by her family and friends.
Jenny was a devoted wife and loving mother, and will forever be remembered for her kind, compassionate nature and her lifelong love of horses.
Jenny was looking forward to retirement, riding her horses and spending time with family and friends when she was diagnosed with cancer.
Jenny was a selfless person who always put the needs of others before her own.
Since childhood, Jenny had a passion for horseback riding, most especially barrel racing. She was a longtime member of NBHA, and spent many weekends competing in barrel races. Jenny had a very competitive spirit, but mostly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.
Jenny attended Mount Olive Elementary School and Mount Olive Junior High, and graduated from Southern Wayne High School in 1970.
Jenny was known for her contagious personality, and was voted homecoming queen and Best All Around while at Mount Olive Junior High.
Jenny grew up in First Presbyterian Church of Mount Olive.
For the past five years, Jenny and her husband, Hal, had been attending Rhodes Friends Meeting, along with their son, Matthew and his wife, Meredith, and had recently become members.
Jenny held several jobs in the Mount Olive area, but her position at Mount Olive Middle School was the most rewarding. She touched the lives of many coworkers and students, and was affectionately known by all as "Mrs. Jenny." She treated each child as her own, often taking them to and from school, buying them clothes when needed and helping them with homework.
Jenny was the daughter of the late Donald "Red" Howell and the late Elizabeth Howell Quinn, and stepfather, Thurston Quinn.
Jenny is survived by her husband, the love of her life, David Hal Holmes. Jenny and Hal were married for 46 years.
She is also survived by her brother, Dexter Howell; her son, David Hal Holmes Jr. and wife, Elizabeth; her son, Matthew Gray Holmes and wife, Meredith; a special niece, Kristen Grady and her family; as well as many close friends, including Ann Cashwell, who was very special.
Jenny is also survived by her horses, Spanky and Rusty, and her dog, Annie.
A private graveside service will be held May 10 for immediate family members.
A memorial celebration of Jenny's life will be held May 11 at 7 p.m. at Rhodes Friends Meeting, 2157 O'Berry Road, Mount Olive, to which family and friends are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rhodes Friends Meeting or Mount Olive Middle School in memory of Jenny Holmes.
Tyndall Funeral Home is assisting with funeral arrangements.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on May 10, 2017 10:11 AM