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Delores Holmes Obituary
DELORES "DEE" HOLMES
AGE: 63 MATAWAN
Delores Henrietta Henderson Holmes, "Dee", 63, of Matawan, was called home on Friday, April 16, 2010. She was born July 18, 1946 in Long Branch to the late Luther Henderson and Maude McGee. She graduated from Matawan High School and worked for Bell Labs, JCP&L, and The New York Times. Throughout her life, she was also a staple of the Jersey Shore music scene as a vocalist and voice teacher, best known for her years spent singing with the Bruce Springsteen Band. She was also an original member of the Holiday Express charity and part of several musical groups. Her smile and humor, nurturing and vivacious spirit, faith and wisdom will be remembered by all of us whose lives she touched.
Delores was predeceased by her father and mother, Luther Henderson and Maude McGee, as well as sister, Joan Childress and brother, Howard Henderson. She leaves to cherish her memory daughter, Layonne Holmes; brother, Luther Henderson Jr.; three aunts, Ethel McGee, Eleanor Banks, and Loretta Phillips; nieces and nephews; many other relatives; and a host of lifelong friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 22 and funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 23 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 61 Cherry St., Tinton Falls. Burial will follow at White Ridge Cemetery, 246 Wall St., Eatontown. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Holiday Express and the Anthony X. Guadagno Memorial Scholarship of the Rock and Roll Music Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Delores Holmes
Carrie (Manning) Leoni
April 16, 2021
Always remembering Delores with warm affection....
April 15, 2011
My wife and I got to know "Dee" when she and I worked together for several years at The New York Times. We always enjoyed hearing her sing -- from the days of "Backwoods" to "Rain" -- but it was even better to have her as a friend. Her optimism -- no more than just that -- her fierce stubbornness to not let adversity get her down was always an inspiration. Theresa and I will always remember that, even more than we remember the last time we saw her sing, at the Fromagerie restaurant where her voice and spirit lit up the room, the night, and our lives.
-- David and Theresa Jacobsen
Joy Saltsman
June 18, 2010
There are no words worthy of describing how wonderful Mom was and how much happiness she brought to the world. At least it will all live on in you, Layonne, because she taught you well and you are an incredible and awesome lady,too. I'm so sorry to hear of Mom's passing and I know it's very difficult. Just know I'm here for you any time of day or night and I love you dearly, Layonne.
Michael Hedgepeth
May 13, 2010
My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
May 11, 2010
Im so sorry to hear of her leaving us.I knew her from seeing her perform at McLoone's on the river years back and liked her the moment I met her and her daughter.She made me feel like a old friend .I will miss her very much ... Jimmy Salvatore
May 3, 2010
"To the family of Dee - Dee was a wonderful person who left us here on earth way to soon~!!!!! Dee was blessed with so many talents -
some of which we were never aware of. She was a strong person who
faced her cancer wirh a lot of conviction."
With Love and Prayers,Lorraine Miller / Patient Advocate at CTCA
Pam G
May 3, 2010
My thoughts are with her family and friends. I think the heavenly chorus just gained a great new member.
Carrie (Manning) Leoni
April 28, 2010
I recall Delores from high school; we both graduated in 1964. I think the last time I saw her was at a 50's party reunion (the year most of us turned aged 50)at the former Joe Pepp's in Matawan. Delores was the kind of gal I felt good to be around. She had the gift of brightening a room with her presence. Regrettably, I never heard her sing. We searched for Delores last year. Her voice (and her presence) would have been a happy addition to our last reunion in July 2009...but we could not locate her. I feel quite saddened with the news of her passing. My condolences to her family.
Patrick & Stefanie Wildridge
April 23, 2010
Dear Layonne,
We are so sad to hear of Dee's passing..The handful of times a year we came to see her perform with the Shirley's are remembered as our most favorite nights of the year. God Bless you and your family.
April 22, 2010
Luther Henderson, Jr. A small note on the passing of your sister my prayers go out to you and yours.
Wayne Jackson formerly of Matawan, New Jersey---now residing in Lansing, Michigan..
Rodney Snell
April 22, 2010
If only my applause for an incredible life could prompt an encore, but she's playing for a greater audience now.
Phyllis & Peter Flach
April 22, 2010
Dear Layonne,
We were shocked and saddened to learn of your Mom's passing. Her unforgettable smile was a light in every room she entered. May the Lord keep her closely by His side, may you and your family be comforted in having her be reunited with family.
April 21, 2010
Layonne, So sad to hear about your Mom. Dee brought such joy to many, and we have such great memories. The choir in heaven has a new angel singing.
In our hearts and prayers, Phil McCabe and Danny Munoz
Buck Kelly
April 21, 2010
Dear Layonne and family - our deepest condolences and loving thoughts are with you- Buck and Debbie Kelly
Sheran Young
April 21, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
April 21, 2010
Hi Layonne:
I wish to express my condolencess to you and the family. My prayers are being lifted for you. If you need anything, let me know.
Love Alicia
Friends for life
Mickey Ross
April 21, 2010
My deepest condolences
Wilhelmina Credle-Vaughn
April 21, 2010
"Our deepest condolences to the entire family. I had the opportunity to work with Dee at Bell Labs, and have very fond memories and she was indeed a wonderful person and always had that great smile. She's now a member of the heavenly choir. Wilhelmina & Calvin Credle and family.
Gladys Foster
April 21, 2010
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Linda Erdmann Brown
April 21, 2010
I am so sorry to see that my dear childhood buddy has left us -I loved her and your aunt and uncles-your dad was great buddy with my father-and worked with him at the Paint companies in Matawan and East Brunswick= Your mom was a character when young-and I am willing to bet she never got "old", Love to you all-and my really sincere sympathies. Linda Erdmann Brown former playmate and friend in Matawan.
Mary Ellen Butler
April 21, 2010
Layonne, I was very sad to hear about your mom. She was a wonderful person with an outstanding voice. Her dedication to Holiday Express was remarkable. She will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Ellen (Holiday Express)
Brenda Beauford
April 21, 2010
With deepest sympathy.
Brenda S.A. Beauford
Morristown, New Jersey
marc swersky
April 21, 2010
my deepest condolences to the entire family and most of all Dee''s wonderful daughter Layonne. Dee was a beautiful soul as well as singer. Always a kind word and a smile to all. The heavens just got there newest voice who will lead all the choirs in there daily song. RIP Delores, you will be sorely missed.
maryann wood
April 21, 2010
Layonne(lilly), We were very very sad to hear about Mom. We enjoyed knowing her and watching you guys sing together. She was a wonderful woman and we are glad we got to meet her. She will be missed deeply. Your music friends, Maryann, Neil, and Edward
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