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Sharon Denise Holmes
Sharon Denise Holmes
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Sharon Holmes Obituary
Denise was born July 29, 1967, to Leslie Wilkerson and Eunice Benford in Clovis, NM. She spent time in Texas and Virginia, before settling in Silver Spring, MD, in 2005. She worked as a Store Manager for For Eyes Optical and was a member of First Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Dumfries, VA. She loved traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Her daughter Ashley was the love of her life. She will be greatly missed.
Survivors include her daughter, Ashley Bunton; her five sisters, Debra Holmes, Tracie Holmes, Yvette Holmes, Roshanda Holmes, and Delores Holmes-Collins; her brother, Percy Holmes, Jr.; her partner, Andrew Jones; her grandmother, Juanita Benford; her three aunts, Gwenlyn Benford, Burnae Parks, and Sandra Benford; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandfather, john Benford; an uncle, Lee R. Coffey; and an aunt Mae Dell Johnson.
Arrangements by Muffley Funeral Home, Inc. 575-762-4435, muffleyfuneralhome.com.
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Tracie Holmes
September 18, 2008
I have not had the strength until now to write this message to you...you have always been my biggest supporter and I yours, we had such a special sister-friendship...closer than most, you were the one that has laughed with me and cried with me, the one that has seen me at my best as well as my worst, but through it all, you were always there...loving me just the same. I miss your early morning phone calls, waking me up just because you are up, I find myself wanting to pick up the phone to call you throughout the day to tell you about some unimportant event or something else I have just experienced just to share a laugh or to just simply have your ear, I even picked up the phone the other day without thinking and actually dialed your number but caught myself at the last digit. I find myself in humorous situations and I can hear you laugh and all I can say is "Shut up Denise" and laugh myself. I find myself shedding tears in the middle of a conversation or for that matter anytime or any place...but I am not ashamed because you are in my heart. I find myself thinking of the many conversations and moments that you and I have shared, the places we have gone together, the things we have done, the private jokes we have shared. We share the same spirit...one of love and care, I find myself wanting to talk about you to anyone who is willing to listen, I carry you with me morning noon and night. I truly miss you with ALL of my heart, Through it all, I know that you are still here with me but I know that God needed you more...so don't worry about me, I am finding my way...with God on my side to lift me when I am my weakest and my memories of you to help me stay strong I will be alright!
I love you eternally.
Your sister,
Rochelle Sims
August 6, 2008
I worked with Sharon in Houston Texas many years ago...My Prayers and thoughts are with her daughter Ashley...Chanel, my daughter also sends her expressions to you and your family at this time. May God continue to bless and keep you!
Loraine Biles
July 24, 2008
To the family of Sharon, bless you all. Growing up with Sharon and her family on Sheridan Street, boy do I have great memories of our friendship! I send prayers to you all that God will heal your hearts in time. To Ms. Ashley, stay strong and keep trusting God through these uncertan times. Be blessed and love to each and every one of you. Loraine
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F. Shepherd
July 23, 2008
My prayers and deepest sympathy to the family. May God be with you and provide you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
I knew Sharon through the friendship of our daughters (Ashley B. & Ashley S.) Sharon’s beautiful personality and radiant smile were contagious. Knowing her made a lasting impression on me.
Renee and Cindy Bryant
July 17, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Carolyn (Nance) Crocharn
July 14, 2008
I am praying for the healing process to begin in your lives. The word of God says to "be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord" know that your partner, mom, sister, niece, granddaughter and aunt is in the arms of Jesus. Love you
Robert Grimes
July 12, 2008
I am sorry to hear about Denise, I will be praying for family
Foad Farhoumand
July 11, 2008
My dearest Ashley, Holmes and Benford family,
Today, when I heard of the tragic news of beloved Sharon, I was filled with shock and sorrow. Whenever I think of her, I see nothing but a pure soul of God, with a beautiful heart and a beautiful smile. There is a Persian poem that comes to mind when I think of her and you all.
"For those who seek recompense for their deeds they will surely receive heaven, and for those who seek the love of God, they are in no need of heaven"
Because she along you all are already in heaven, through her actions and love, she had already created, that heaven above, around her on this earth, and continues to be perpetuated by you all and your wonderful friends at the moment on this earth. I read the notes that they wrote about her, and the love they have for you all, which bare witness to your heavenly family. Dear Ashley and your loving relatives, may the blessings of God protect you and bless you all. Niki and I, love you dearly, our prayers are with you. foad.
Denise Scatliffe Jackson
July 9, 2008
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON. . .
It is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a Godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.
Then people come into your life for a SEASON. . .
Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons. . .
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Unknown Author
Ashley, I was friends with your mom, but closer friends with Tracie. I want to give you my deepest sympathy. I went to school with Tracie and through her, got to know your mom. I remember when you were a little toddler. Your mom adored you and everybody knew it. God will keep watch over you. Remember to rely on him for EVERYTHING.
Sherry (Cordova) Montoya
July 9, 2008
Wow, My mind goes back to a time when, I ran the streets of Sheridan and Jefferson, with all the other kids that lived on that street, we had no care about tomorrow just all of the gang, playin football chasin each other laughin and doin what normal kids do. Its where I had my first kiss, where I learned to dance, the place I first heard about a man named Jesus. There was Jones girls, the Holmes girls, the Grimes family, the Grants, the Roofs, The Chavez family,the Paiz's, and many more that lived down these streets. We pretty much took over the whole Rio ST. But there we were come rain, come shine. I can still see Tracey, Lorraine, Jackie and Sharon standin on the corner of Rio and Sheridan sayin something or other, mostly laughing and carrying on. It makes me smile this memories, this time, this is how I will remember Sharon smilin and carrying on. I will miss you Sharon you have always been a good friend.
katrina johnson
July 8, 2008
Ashley, my Ace! I love you more then you know. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Know that some situations only comes to make us stronger!! You know by watching a man named Bishop Staples! With that being said Ace, I believe that God will give you the strength to carry on. Oh lift your head oh ye gates..For my help cometh from who Ashley? THE LORD! Know sis that I am praying for you!
Tyrone Finch
July 7, 2008
I grew up with Sharon and some of my best memories of grade school, jr high and high school involve Sharon. She had a laugh and a smile that I will never forget, she will alway be in my heart. My heart goes out to Ashley and whole Holmes family.
Brandon Barbour
July 7, 2008
Hey Ash,
I pray your strength and peace in this time of mourning. Love and may God bless you!
Lou Mitchell
July 7, 2008
Hi Ashley,
May God be with you and your family at this time of sorrow. I Feel your pain and my heart is with you. I miss you a lot.
Love ya,
Lou Mitchell
Tiffany (Big Tiff) Green
July 7, 2008
Hi Ash!
I know that its hard to smile during these time and I really can't say I know what it feels like, but I love you and miss you and my prayers are with you and your family.
Sis Victoria Johnson
July 7, 2008
Sis Ashley
Always my love and support. Believe that GOD has you in his arms being confort to your soul. You are the "Apple of HIS eye" and your mother is with GOD and during these times MOMs is smiling down from HEAVEN walking with you every step of your life. "CONTINUE TO KEEP YOUR FAITH"
Minister Alphonso Jiles
July 7, 2008
Hello Ashley:
I just wanted you to know that the Temple of Praise Mass Choir (TOP)is praying for you and we love you.
Sis. Sonia Joyner
July 7, 2008
My deepest condolences go's out to you Ashley and your family. I pray God's peace, comfort, and joy will keep you during this season of life. Love you and God Bless.
EttaWeen Lisa Wise-Eady
July 7, 2008
Dear Tracie and Family,
My love prayers and sympathy are with each of you at this time. Hold on to your faith in God as you adjust to this time in your life. And always remember that we did not suffer a loss because Denise is not "lost." We know where she is, and one day we will see her again. Having recently experience my mother going home to be with the Lord, I understand your pain, and am here should you need me. I love you. God bless. Lisa
Joyce A Thompson
July 6, 2008
Hi Ashley,
Just want you to know that I love you and am praying for you. May The Lord continue to hold you in the comfort of His arms and May His peace be yours today and always. Immanuel and have a blessed day!
Deaconess Thompson
Jacqueline (Jackie) Grimes-Walker
July 6, 2008
Memories of laughter and fun times, in our neighborhood, come to mind as I think of Sharon.
I pray that God will continue to embrace the entire Holmes family with His comforting love, grace and mercy.
Shawn & Michelle Mitchell
July 6, 2008
Tracie & Family,
May the Lord God Almighty comfort & keep each of you throughout this process. May the Lord hide you under the shadow of His wings & heal your pain. Please know that our prayers are with you all.
Tanya Carter
July 5, 2008
My Secret Place
By Tanya Carter
In Loving Memory of Sharon Denise Holmes
I came into this world to live for a time.
I’ve had trials and tribulations that were not kind.
I loved and lost people dear to me,
But I still lived my life and went on you see,
Those where test preparing me before,
I meet the Creator that continually loves me more and more.
And now this flesh is no longer in this earthly race.
I am waiting in My Secret Place.
Tonya Carter (Dawson)
July 5, 2008
Giving honor to God who is the head of my life and greetings to all in the name of Lord, my prayers are with you at this time and always.
When I heard about Sharon, God brought back that fearful time when I was 9 and Sharon was 10. God used Sharon to save me from drowning in Portales at a Youth Sports Program. I remember getting tired of kicking to stay above water. As I began to sink, I remember saying a quick prayer, “Lord, forgive me for all of my sins.” As my kicks got slower and my arms got tired I waved them one last time to feel someone swimming right over me and I took hold of them. It was Sharon. She was not happy at first because she had to swim harder to get us both to the rail. But my sister was crying as she told her what had happened. I remember Sharon asking me was I okay.
I questioned God and asked, “Lord why didn’t you send someone to save her.” It hurt and I went to church that Sunday and praised God in tears the whole time I was there. A lady from our church did a praise dance to A Secret Place, by Karen Clark Sheard. I cried through the whole thing. But in my crying God spoke to me and said, “How do you know that I didn’t save her?” I didn’t understand until I spoke with my mother and she said she told Tracey about that time Sharon was used as a vessel to save my life. She said Tracey didn’t know about that time and that it lifted her spirits. My mom quoted Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. That is what God gave my mother to tell her sister in the time she needed to her a word from God. And God also gave me a word for you all.
I believe that Sharon had that incident in a secret place. I believe there is a secret place in all of those who know the way to Eternal Life. And just incase there are some there who don’t know, you will know in this time of sorrow that the way is JESUS. Come to Jesus grab hold of Him right now and don’t wait. I believe Sharon knew the way because even in my fearful time God used me also (a child) as a vessel to show her how to pray to God. So I can praise God that she (as an adult) knew how to pray to God in the same time of trouble I had as a child. I was not afraid after I said that prayer to God and now that I am older I understand that God gave me power through that quick prayer to face death. I heard in the message on that same Sunday, “FEAR is: False Evidence Appearing Real.” Remember, we live on this earth to die so that we may live again in Heaven with God. So take hold of Jesus, seek to know the more of him, and go to your Secret Place in Jesus to lay down all of your burdens and know that God is and always will be here.
I am of sound mind in this time of sorrow and will not let the devil use this time for bad. I tell you all today get God in your lives. Seek Him and not the things of this world so you can be of sound mind in your times of trouble and listen to the voice of God. I close this letter with 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
God bless you all,
Tanya Carter
Conrad [peach] Bautista
July 5, 2008
This news saddened me I grew up with Sharon since elementary through highschool she has always been a beautiful warm hearted friend with a great since of humor my prayers and sympathy go out to her and her families.
Tanya Carter
July 4, 2008
Giving honor to God who is the head of my life and greetings to all in the name of Lord, my prayers are with you at this time and always. I wanted to write some encouraging words from God to answer questions I too had about this incident. I prayed and this is what God gave me to say to you all.
When I heard about Sharon, God brought back to that fearful time when I was 9 and Sharon was about 10 or 11. God used Sharon to save me from drowning in Portales at a Youth Sports Program. I remember getting tired of kicking to stay above water. As I began to sink, I remember saying a quick prayer, “Lord, forgive me for all of my sins.” As my kicks got slower and my arms got tired I waved them one last time to feel someone swimming right over me and I took hold of them. It was Sharon. She was not happy at first because she had to swim harder to get us both to the rail. But my sister was crying as she told her what had happened. I remember Sharon asking me was I okay.
I questioned God and asked, “Lord why didn’t you send someone to save her.” It hurt and I went to church that Sunday and praised God in tears the whole time I was there. A lady from our church did a praise dance to A Secret Place, by Karen Clark Sheard. I cried through the whole thing. But in my crying God spoke to me and said, “How do you know that I didn’t save her?” I didn’t understand until I spoke with my mother and she said she told Tracey about that time Sharon was used as a vessel to save my life. She said Tracey didn’t know about that time and that it lifted her spirits. My mom quoted Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. That is what God gave my mother to tell her sister in the time she needed to her a word from God. And God also gave me a word for you all.
I believe that Sharon had that incident in a secret place. I believe there is a secret place in all of those who know the way to Eternal Life. And just incase there are some reading who don’t know, you will know in this time of sorrow that the way is JESUS. Come to Jesus grab hold of Him right now and don’t wait. I believe Sharon knew the way because even in my fearful time God used me also (a child) as a vessel to show her how to pray to God. So I can praise God that she (as an adult) knew how to pray to God in the same time of trouble I had as a child. I was not afraid after I said that prayer to God and now that I am older I understand that God gave me power through that quick prayer to face death. I heard in the message on that same Sunday, “FEAR is: False Evidence Appearing Real.” Remember, we live on this earth to die so that we may live again in Heaven with God. So take hold of Jesus, seek to know the more of him, and go to your Secret Place in Jesus to lay down all of your burdens and know that God is and always will be here.
I am of sound mind in this time of sorrow and will not let the devil use this time for bad. I tell you all today get God in your lives. Seek Him and not the things of this world so you can be of sound mind in your times of trouble and listen to the voice of God. I know this is a lot of words but this is truly from God and what is on my heart and I am truly saddened that I am so far away from you all. I am praying for all of the friends and family. I close this letter with 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
May God bless you and keep you all safe in His arms.
Barbara McGinty (Telles)
July 4, 2008
I am very sad to hear of the passing of Sharon. We had gone to school together. She was a great person and will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and freinds. God Bless.
charity mcdonald
July 4, 2008
sharon i remember your smile rest in peace from charity mcdonald in family
TINA CAGE(LEWIS)
July 4, 2008
BRING PRAYER AND STRENGTH TO ASHLEY AND THE HOLMES FAMILY DURING YOUR TIME OF LOSS AND SADNESS
maria ratigan
July 3, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Angela McCoy-Ramirez
July 3, 2008
I am deeply saddened to here about Sharon. I went to school with her and she was a very sweet, funny girl. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Charlotte Shaw
July 3, 2008
Sometimes the path to healing is not an easy one, but remember that the Lord is walking right by your side. Were, thinking and praying for you all.
Charlotte Shaw and Family
Charlotte Perkins
July 3, 2008
I am deeply saddened. My heart and my prayers are with the family.
Lendel (Del) Brown Jr
July 3, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Daphne Garcia
July 3, 2008
I went to school with Sharon since kindergarden, even though we only talked about once a year, she will be missed. I will always have my memories with her from school.
Deborah (Dawson) Joseph
July 3, 2008
Sharon was so funny. I remember all of us growing up togehter and her and Claudia doing funny things to make us laugh. My memories of Sharon make me laugh. She will truly be missed. Our love and prayers are with the family. We love you.
Claudia Rance (Dawson)
July 3, 2008
Sharon was a dear friend to me. She always had me laughing when we were growing up.I loved her and will never forget her. I will keep all of the family and friends in my thoughts and prayers. She will be missed by everyone that knew her.
Love Always
Claudia
david dawson
July 3, 2008
much love to the family, i was and am still devistated from this loss, but i do know that GOD is in control!!! it looks bad, and feels bad but i recognize that we are blessed with 40 years of love that Sharon deposited into every one of our lives, and now we are to carry that love and give it out to everyone!!!
Keianna Johnson
July 3, 2008
Dear Ashley, Stephanie, Katrina, and I love you very much. We are praying that Jesus keep his arms around you and your family. We love you, may Gods peace be with you.
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