Woodland Beverly Holmes

September 14, 1928 - July 27, 2019

On Saturday, July 27, 2019, God called Woodland Beverly Holmes from labor to reward. Deacon Holmes was born September 14, 1928 and was the only child of Edna Smith Holmes and James McNeil Holmes. When his parents moved north during the Great Depression, he was raised by both grandparents until the age of twelve when his grandfather passed. Deacon Holmes enjoyed going to the different churches with his grandmother. He was so proud when he purchased his first automobile, a Chevrolet, as a teenager and he could drive his grandmother to churches throughout Middlesex and neighboring counties. Deacon Holmes joined the Antioch Baptist Church at an early age and participated in the different ministries in the church. He attended Union Grove School where his grandmother was his first grade teacher. Being an only child, Woodland always wanted to get married and have a large family. His future wife, S. Otelia Lawson traveled with Reverend Austin Jones of King and Queen County, to different churches as his pianist. It was at one of these churches that he met Otelia. Woodland lived and worked in Middlesex County. He held positions at Rosegill Dairy Farm, and at Christchurch School where he retired after 35 years of service. Woodland was preceded in death by his loving wife, S. Otelia, their daughter, Woodlanda L. Holmes, and his parents, Edna and McNeil Holmes. He is survived by his children, Bruce W. Lawson (Rev. Glyn), Deborah Robinson, Dr. Edna C. Holmes, and Rev. Woodland Holmes (Warrenette); eleven grandchildren, Charese Haynes, Michelle Holmes, Ronald Dabney, Shaerrie Washington, Tanika Lawson, Portia Thompson, Wylesha Lawson, Yolanda Lawson, Micah Lawson, Kemaya Holmes, and Pamela Spratley; 16 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A funeral service will be held 1PM Friday, August 2, 2019 at Antioch Baptist Church, 159 Oakes Landing Rd, Saluda VA 23149. A viewing will take place from 11AM - 5PM at Vincent Funeral Home, 417 11th St, West Point VA 23181.