Barbara Gayle Holmes

Barbara Gayle Holmes passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior on Saturday, October 30, 2021. She was born to Mildred Ann Preddy and Edward Odean Holmes in Columbus, GA. Barbara spent most of her childhood in Sylvania, OH, where she met Dale Edward Manrow, whom she later married and with whom she had two children, Melissa Faye and Timothy Edward. She received an Associates degree in legal procedures from Kankakee Community College and always treasured her career. Barbara worked in the telecommunications industry, later at Scientific Atlanta, and finished her career at the Georgia Department of Transportation. Barbara loved her cat, Bella, and enjoyed reading, watching cooking programs and history documentaries, working Find A Word puzzles, and following politics. Her favorite birthday of recent years was spent at Pride giving free Mom hugs. She knew that all of God’s children deserved love and acceptance. She was a devout Christian and an exuberant progressive and strong supporter of science who got her COVID shot at the very first opportunity. While she eventually was diagnosed with an asymptomatic breakthrough case, her death was due to other causes. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, her younger sister (11 months and 11 days apart, so they always shared a birthday party as children) Wanda Faye Payne, and niece Kelly Marie Payne. Grieving her passing are her children, Tim (Heather) and Melissa (Don), grandson Finnegan, her beloved niece Shawna (Jason), who loved and cared for Barbara as a second mother, and great nieces Kyah and Avery. Barbara’s funeral will be at 1pm on Tuesday, November 9th at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany. While Barbara’s family welcomes flowers, they would be equally grateful for contributions to any LGBTQ or animal rescue organization.