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Olean Holmes Obituary
Little River
Olean B. Holmes, 99, died Thursday, August 9, 2012 after complications resulting from a fall.
Born March 5, 1913 in Cades, SC, she was the daughter of the late Charlton A. and Ellen I. Coker Buddin.
Mrs. Holmes graduated from Winthrop College in 1934 and moved to Horry County that same year. She initially taught Home Economics before obtaining credentials to teach Biology, Chemistry and Physics at Wampee-Little River High School and later, North Myrtle Beach High School at the Chestnut Consolidated school location. Her teaching career spanned 40 years.
Prior to her death, she was the oldest member of Trinity United Methodist Church, in North Myrtle Beach, for over 60 years.
She is survived by her son, Herman J. Holmes Jr., wife Suzanne, and grandson Hunter, of the home, grandsons Kelly Coggin of Little River, SC and Taylor Coggin of Chicago, IL, as well as her sister, Inez Gardner of Sumter, SC
Mrs. Holmes is also survived by a son-in-law, Richard Jones of Moore, SC, granddaughter, Marley Jones Wolfe, husband Michael and great grandson Charlie ("Chuck"), of Mauldin, SC; grandson, Ric Jones and great grandchildren Ryder and Rainey Jones of North Myrtle Beach; countless nieces, nephews and thousands of students, from generations of "locals" whom she fondly referred to as "her" children.
Mrs. Holmes is predeceased by her husband, Herman J. Holmes Sr., in 1976, and her daughter Gwendolyn H. Jones in 1992.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, August 14th at 2 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 12-2PM at the church. Burial will follow at Southern Palms Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, Building Fund, P.O. Box 373, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597.
Messages of condolence may be sent to [email protected]
Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Olean Holmes
Sponsored by FRANKIE & LINDA VEREEN.
Marilyn
August 5, 2025
She was the sweetest person you would ever know.
Missing ou always!
Judy Morgan
August 25, 2013
Mrs Holmes , you were such an important part of my life. The times I stayed with Gwen will never be forgotten for you made everything so special, fresh strawberries,milk,us role playing, and driving the tractor. We were truly allowed to be children.
JIMMY WARD
April 12, 2013
JIMMY Ward
Mike Rogers
March 24, 2013
Thanks for all the Science, Mrs Holmes....
Brenda Gore
February 25, 2013
I always loved Mrs. Holmes, not just because she was a good teacher and a dear person but because she was genuinely invested in her career and every student she taught. Mrs. Holmes became a teacher for ALL of the right reasons. Mrs. Holmes will forever be missed.
Joy Chandler Cederberg
December 7, 2012
She taught my mother and me and what an amazing woman and teacher! I'll never forget some quite interesting times in Chemistry Lab that have burned (many in that class will know what I mean) those times forever in my memory. She remained a dear friend to both my mother and me til the end. What a glorious day it will be on that great resurrection morn, when she will rise with all the saints who sleep in our Saviour, to be gathered together with those who live, and be caught up to meet Him in the clouds to live forever with Him.
jennings ling
November 22, 2012
she was a great teacher
September 22, 2012
Everyone, who knew her, loved her, please sign her book, so you will leave a legacy tooo....
peggy willard
September 20, 2012
A WONDERFUL LADY SENT FROM GOD ABOVE TO MAKE A SPECIAL INFLUENCE ON US ALL.MAY I LEARN FROM HER LOVELY NATURE.PEGGY WILLARD
Judy Worley Clemmons
September 14, 2012
With Sympathy - He Healeth The Broken In Heart, And Bindeth Up Their Wonds. Psalm 147:3
May you find comfort in the sure knowledge that your Mother has stepped onto the shore of heaven, and has been welcomed by the loving hand of God.
Sharing in your deep sorrow, and caring about your hurting heart.
Mrs. Holmes was so funny when Mom and I visited her couple months ago about her flower bed. Now she said, collards are so pretty and good to eat, some plants are more important than other in our lives & I don't have to work so hard in these.
Beautiful person to so many.
Judith Gornto Ulgen
September 11, 2012
She was teacher to me, my sister and brother; friend to our whole
family and community. I cannot remember her EVER being angry or even mildly irritable....it has all been said but can never be enough: if being remembered with love by a lot of people constitutes immortality, she surely has attained it.
Tim Bellamy
September 9, 2012
Mrs Holmes was the gold standard of teachers. She taught my mom, all three sisters and me. She was a great teacher and a wonderful person. She will be remembered by so many students and parents who's life she touched and made us a better person.
Dee Adams-Coleman
August 23, 2012
Herman and family,
Mrs. Holmes was a blessing to us all. Some of my sweetest and fondest memories in life are of events that took place either in her class, or she was a part of. I will cherish her memory always.
Sincerely,
Dee Adams Coleman
Grandson Hunter with Granny, Thanksgiving 2011
August 23, 2012
Grand Daughter Marley with Granny
August 23, 2012
Suzie Holmes
August 23, 2012
I miss you more than you could ever imagine, Granny. With Hunter back in school the house seems so desolate without you, especially during the daytime. I walk into your room and immediately look to your favorite chair, fully expecting to see you sitting there. My heart sinks because you aren't there. As a daughter in law who lived with you for over 20 years, yes we had our "issues", but I truly loved and respected you more than you ever knew. Thank you for giving me your wonderful son. You were an incredible woman and treasured by many.
I know you're in a better place, surrounded by your loved ones. I can't help but think you and your late husband and daughter are all rejoicing to be together again. You guys are probably having a blast catching up on everything.
Anyway, all my love to you. I truly miss you.
Jean King Pennington
August 22, 2012
So sorry to hear about Mrs Holmes She was a great Lady and she will be missed.
Diane DeVaughn Stokes
August 22, 2012
Having interviewed Olean for the NMB History Museum, I know how she loved her many years of teaching in Horry County, and how she adored her family. She was one of the most endearing women I have ever met.
May God surround all of you with His love and the love of your many friends.
Carolyn Whitted
August 22, 2012
It is true that there are no words to express the sadness that we who knew and loved Mrs. Holmes feel. She was not only my teacher but my best friend's Mom and I spent many happy times at her home picking grapes and enjoying homemade doughnuts as we sat in the loft in the barn. I even milked a cow one summer with her encouragement. So many wonderful, awesome memories.
All of us who were blessed to know her now have a special angel who will continue to watch over all her extended family.
1970 Yearbook
George Norton
August 22, 2012
1967 Yearbook
George Norton
August 22, 2012
1966 Yearbook
George Norton
August 22, 2012
1963 Yearbook
George Norton
August 22, 2012
1962 Yearbook
George Norton
August 22, 2012
1960 Yearbook
George Norton
August 22, 2012
1959 Yearbook
George Norton
August 22, 2012
1958 Yearbook
George Norton
August 22, 2012
1957 Yearbook
George Norton
August 22, 2012
1952 Yearbook
George Norton
August 22, 2012
Myra Poston
August 21, 2012
There are not many teachers who can say that they were loved by all their students. Mrs Holmes was one of those rare ones and she will always be the teacher you can never forget. Herman, you and your family are in my prayers.
Debbie Perrone Cox
August 21, 2012
Mrs. Holme's life was a GIFT from God to many people, especially all her many students of WHS. I remember a quote she wrote many times on the blackboard before her Biology class that went: "God grant me the courage to change the things I can, to accept the things I cannot, and the wisdom to know the difference." She was a living example to many as to how to live our lives. Thank you, Mrs. Holmes!
John Norton
August 21, 2012
Mrs. Holmes taught all my HS science courses, and she was my great aunt Ruby's best friend at Winthrop, back in the 1930s. She meant so much to our family and to the extended Wampee family. She exemplifies the lasting gift that great teachers give to their students.
Gene/Harriet Robinson
August 21, 2012
Although she only taught me for two years, she was one of my favorite teachers of all time. I enjoyed talking to her at the reunion in March. She will be missed, but not forgotten.
Nancy Moore
August 21, 2012
Herman and family, your Mom was such a sincerely kind person. I will always remember her for being so very sweet to all of her students.
Ron Riggs
August 21, 2012
Mrs. Holmes was the best example of a caring, concerned teacher who made a positive difference in so many lives at the small but forever memorable Wampee-Little River HS. She was my Biology, Chemistry and Physics teacher. She was also the teacher to my dear departed brother Johnny who also cared so much for her. We thank God for sharing this great role model here on earth with us. Her light will forever shine in the world from the students she taught in this little part of the world! Rest in peace and a job well done!
Ron & Susie Riggs
class of 1968
Phyllis (Permenter) Todd
August 20, 2012
Dear Herman and family,
I want to thank you for sharing your mother with all of us. Our lives have been truly blessed by having known her. I am so thankful that God let my life cross her path. I, like so many, love her and will miss her beautiful loving spirit. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
God's Blessings to You All
Patsy Dew
August 20, 2012
She was such a wonderful lady and friend. I have such great memories of her. She was also a great teacher. She will be missed. My prays are with the family during this time .
August 20, 2012
Herman, keeping you and your family close in prayer. Your mother was a rare earthly treasure.
August 20, 2012
Hello Herman and Family, Your mother was such a special part of the lives of all of her students. She became much more than a teacher in the schoolhouse. Keith and I send you all our caring thoughts.
Cherie Morgan Compton
kenneth hamilton
August 19, 2012
Dear Herman and Family:
So sorry to hear about your mother's passing, but at the same time rejoicing that she had almost a century on earth.
I had your mother for four years of high-school science--general science, biology, chemistry and physics.
I was in her tenth-grade biology class on the afternoon of Friday, November 22, 1963, when Mr. Cain came on the PA system with the shocking announcement: "We have just received a special news bulletin that the President of the United States . . . "
All of you have our sympathy.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Hamilton
Sumter, S. C.
Gail Bulloch Derdziak
August 19, 2012
Holmes Family So sorry for your loss. Mrs. Holmes touched Hundreds of lives an was a inspiration to all. She will always be remembered, the sweet smile an giving ways.
Amy Penninger Smith
August 16, 2012
Mrs Holmes was my teacher when I moved to NMB in 1971. I ran into her years later while shopping and she called me by name. I was so delighted that she remembered me. I thought of her often as I passed her house on my way to teach science at NMBMS. She was so pleased to learn that I become a teacher of science. I saw her at my 30 year reunion and she was as sweet as ever. Such a lovely lady.
Warren and Loretta Amspacher
August 15, 2012
We are sorry for your loss. We loved Olean. We will miss her very much.
Jim Grayson
August 15, 2012
To Marley...so sorry for the loss of your grandmother...reading about her, she seemed like a very special person to many people...would have liked to have known her.
The Grayson family sends our love and prayers to you, Michael and Charlie. Sure miss you. Wish you peace, love and joy.
Sincerely,
Jim, Carlene, Allison, Bryan Grayson
Janet Bates
August 15, 2012
So sorry for your loss. Mrs. Holmes was a wonderful lady and such an inspiration to all that were blessed to know her. I will always remember her sweet smile.
Chuck Bell
August 14, 2012
Oh, the hundreds of lives you have touched.
Thank you, Mrs Holmes.
Dan & Brenda Carter
August 14, 2012
Herman and Family,
Your mother was a wonderful lady. She taught all five of my family and several cousins,
not only school work but also how to be a good person.
There is now another Saint in heaven.
Dan and Brenda Carter
Claudia Curley Macklen
August 13, 2012
Herman & family, your Mother was a beautiful lady, she was my teacher & my father's teacher, May God comfort & bless you all during this time.
Threshia Adams Causey
August 13, 2012
To Herman and family, your loss is a loss to everyone. Your Mother was not just a Teacher, she was a mentor, a friend, a nurturing loving Lady. She will forever be in our memories.
My Prayers and condolences to all.
Angela Pluta
August 13, 2012
Herman and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Even though I have not been in touch in years I remember your Mom fondly not only as my teacher,but my boss, and your Mother. She was a wonderful lady. You have been very fortunate and blessed to have had her in your life as long as you have. Take comfort in knowing that She is another Angel in Heaven looking out for you all. My Prayers are with all of you. God Bless, Angela
Johnny Buddin
August 13, 2012
Your Love, strong Christian Faith and strength of character will never be forgotten. We Loved YOU Aunt Olean;we will miss you so.
Johnny, Mary Lynn and John Buddin
June 1, 2012 Class of 1962 Reunion
George Norton
August 13, 2012
You were loved and remembered, even from afar.
Joyce Thomas
August 13, 2012
Herman and family,
Your mother was a very special lady...she was a blessing to many her entire life. You were so fortunate to have her for so many years. Know that she is resting peacefully and joyfully in the arms of our loving God.
We will hold you close in thought and prayer...Joyce and Hank
Frankie & Linda Vereen
August 12, 2012
A light in our lives, which will live forever.....Please except our deepest symapathy....
August 12, 2012
d a long & hopefully fulfilled life. My prayers are with you. Lydia Edge
Fred & Debbie Morris
August 12, 2012
What a respected & grand lady who was a mentor to many! God blessed her with a long & special life on this earth. Wow, 99 years in mostly good health! She loved God, her family, her student family & friends in that order. We loved her as well. All of us will fondly remember her as a caring educator with patience of Job. I'll always cherish the fond memories of Mrs. Holmes. She'll be missed but never forgotten in our lifetime. Hopefully, we'll see her again as she is now in God's Loving Care with her husband & daughter. Thoughts & prayers are with Herman & all the family.
Vicki Lewis
August 12, 2012
Dear Herman and Family,
What a genuine treasure your mother was! She was so kind and caring and made all her students feel like they were her own.We have so many sweet and wonderful memories from our times with her. I know she is happy because she's with your dad and sister and they're all dancing with the angels!Heaven just added one more! You and yours are in our hearts and prayers.
Love,
Preston and Vicki Lewis
Dianne Stephens
August 11, 2012
Herman and Family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your Mother.I remember Her well in school.One of the kindest persons I have ever met.A most humble Lady.My prayers are with you all.God Bless. Dianne(Fipps)Stephens
August 11, 2012
Herman, I was so shocked to learn of your mother's passing after seeing you last week. We were all so blessed to have know her for so many years. She was a constant in our lives and we all looked up to her. So so many memories that we will always share. She was a patient teacher and a true lady and her legacy will live on through all the generations that loved her.
Pam Heustess McLauchlin
August 11, 2012
As one of Mrs. Holmes' many students, she always held a special place in my heart I remember her trying to teach me to sew when I never got the hang of it but she loved me anyway. Many years later she still loved me. God has a new special angel.You were blessed with a wonderful mother, grandmother, and know you will miss her. Ann Lewis Bennett, class of 1952
Sandy Bullock Moore
August 11, 2012
I believe that I can speak for everyone that ever attended a class of Mrs. Holmes in saying that she enriched all of our lives in one way or another. She was a wonderful woman, teacher, friend, neighbor and all around person. She will be missed by everyone that she came into contact with during her 99 years. God bless her and her entire family. Their loss is shared by so many.
Beth Arnold
August 11, 2012
Herman and family,
What a wonderful life you have had with one of the sweetest, most caring, loving and 'young at heart' mothers around. Thanks to hers and Mammy's friendship I saw her a little more 'back then'. With the inspirational life she led and all the lives she touched, alot of us will be better because of her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Mrs. Holmes, rest in peace dear friend, you are in alot of great memories.
Marilyn Gill
August 11, 2012
Olean was the sweetest lady I have ever known. She always greeted everyone with a smile. She certainly accomplished much in her life especially graduating from college and teaching chemistry and physics in a time when most women did not do those things. She lived her faith, but never preached it. We loved her!
Marilyn Gill and Jan Appel
Charles Norton
August 11, 2012
Herman,
Your mother was a wonderful person whom I'm glad I had the prove ledge to know and have as a teacher. My thoughts are with you at this time. I just wish I could be there to honor her.
Aunt Bay will be waiting for her with open arms in Heaven. Thetwo college roommates and lifelong friends can now be together for eternity.
Just know she inspired many of us during her teaching years and left her mark on the community. She will neverbe forgotten
August 11, 2012
Granny was a kind, gentle, caring soul who taught by example even when she wasn't teaching. She was gracious and generous to me and it was well worth it to be there at supper time. R.I.P. Ms. Holmes you deserve it. God Bless you all. William P. Jacobsen III
Amanda Earnhardt
August 10, 2012
Dear Herman and family,
We have no words that can adequately express the sadness we feel over the passing of Mrs. Holmes.She was a special lady....so kind, caring,and loving.She was not only our teacher. She was our friend, and she greatly enriched our lives. We adored her. She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know her. You are in our thoughts, prayers, and in our hearts.
Love,
Amanda & Fred
Kevin McCaskill
August 10, 2012
Remember that God knows best, and now you have an angel that will always be there for you through the good and the bad times. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
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