Mrs. Vera Samuels Holmes

Vera Mae Samuels Holmes was born October 6, 1944 in Mansfield, Louisiana. (St. Mission Community)  She was one of seven children born to James and Suesie Samuels, Sr. 

On Saturday, May 24, 2025, after a 8.5 year journey with Alzheimer’s, she passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

Vera confessed Christ at an early age of 11 years old and was baptized at the St. Mark Baptist Church in Holly, Louisiana, by the late Pastor R.S. Smith.  She attended Second Ward High School in Gloster, Louisiana.  Upon graduation she attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, majored in Mathematics and received a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education.  After graduation, Mrs. Holmes taught briefly at Valencia High School and Southwood High School.  She spent majority of her career at Booker T. Washington High school (Caddo Parish) as a mathematics teacher (Algebra1, Algebra 2, Geometry and Advanced Mathematics) for 43 years in Caddo Parish.

Vera met and married Author James Holmes in 1968.  To this union was born 3 daughters – Samoine, Roslyn and Rachel.

She later joined Zion Baptist Church under the pastorate of Brady L. Blade, Sr.  While there, she faithfully served in numerous capacities including the Deacon Wives Ministry, announcement clerk, member of the Finance committee, Vacation Bible School leader and teacher, church trip organizer, Mission department member, and participated in many church programs and other departments.

Vera was preceded in death by her father James Samuels Sr., mother Suesie Samuels, sisters Bonnie Davis, Joann Samuels and brother Odell Samuels. 

She leaves to cherish her memory;  Her loving husband of 57 years, Author J. Holmes; 3 children Samoine Holmes, Roslyn Holmes Davis (Elisha), Rachel Holmes Awagu (Ike); 4 grandchildren Olivia Davis, Samuel Davis, Thomas Awagu and Jackson Awagu; 1 sister Shirley Samuels, 2 brothers James Samuels Jr. and Herman Samuels; and a host of relatives, “adopted children / Godchildren” and friends.

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