Terry B. Holmes' Obituary
Terry was the oldest child born to late Candies and Jewel Wheeler in
St. Louis, Missouri on January 31, 1951.
Terry attended Catholic elementary school where she was deeply
inspired by the school nuns to become Catholic at an early age.
Terry moved to Seattle Washington with her mother and brothers
where she went on to graduate from Franklin High School in 1969.
Terry later returned to St. Louis, Missouri and married her childhood
sweetheart, Charles Howard Holmes on October 22, 1971. To this
union four children were born.
Terry attended mass at St. Engelbert Catholic Church faithfully,
where they sacrificed to send all of their children to school. Terry
took on a school cafeteria position and began volunteering at the
church, which would become St. Elizabeth, Mother of John the
Baptist Catholic Church. Over the years, Terry volunteered as a
visitor for the sick and shut-in, photographer, Eucharistic Minister,
Member of Blue Army, and The Legion of Mary prayer groups; longterm choir member and food pantry volunteer until it closed during
COVID in 2020.
Terry would also visit the Pink Sisters’ Chapel regularly where she
would pray The Rosary or The Divine Mercy Chaplet. Terry fought to
attend mass every weekend and on holy days, even when she
became ill.
Terry was a kind soul that would offer rides to anyone she saw
walking, to show her thanks to God for blessing her with a vehicle.
Terry worked for the Federal Government Record Management
Center for the Veteran’s Administration from 1987 to 2017. In
January 2017, she retired after 30 years of service; Terry was often
recognized for her great customer service.
Terry enjoyed her family, her friends, her pets, Motown, and Gospel
music, and last but not least, her Chinese food (pork and noodles,
extra onion to be exact). On the weekends, Terry looked forward to
going to mass, going on a long drive, and sharing a meal with her
kids and grandkids. Terry cherished every day of the last 31 years of
her life that she got to spend with her youngest, watching Harry
Potter, the Sound of Music, and It’s a Wonderful Life.
Terry’s health began to decline after her retirement and over time
she reluctantly became partially confined to her home due to
mobility issues. Terry’s oldest child and youngest child took primary
care of their mother’s health and daily living needs to honor her
strong request to remain in her home. Terry suffered a bad fall in
August of 2022, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in
March of 2023, and was admitted to the hospital in early July 2023
for heart failure after an unrelated Emergency Room visit. Terry was
moved to Skilled Rehab where she was placed on hospice and
transitioned after three days on August 11, 2023.
Terry is preceded in death by her parents, Candies (Darlene)
Wheeler, Jr. and Jewel V. and Gabriel N. Thompson.
Terry leaves to cherish her memory: her husband of 51 years ~
Charles Howard Holmes; daughters ~ Angela E. Holmes, Tracey R.
(Jacques) Coleman and Christina M. Holmes; son/best friend ~
Christopher H. Holmes; granddaughter ~ Nia S. Coleman; grandson
~ Jordan A. Coleman; brothers ~ Candies (Debra) Wheeler III of
Kent, Washington, Keith B. Wheeler, Sr. of Seattle, Washington,
Gabriel N. Thompson, Jr. of Auburn Washington; aunts ~ Annette
(Harrison) Hunter and Wanda Jean Smith of St. Louis, Missouri; Goddaughter and son ~ Michelle Vinson and Dwayne Simmons; her dog
~ Coco; and host of other family and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Terry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Terry?
Share a story where Terry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Terry you’ll never forget.
How did Terry make you smile?
