Myrna BARTEE

NEWPORT NEWS - Myrna Holmes Bartee, 74, peacefully entered eternal rest at her home in Newport News, Va., on Oct. 17, 2010, with her devoted husband of 32 years, Julian C. Bartee Jr. at her side.
The viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22, 2010, at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601 27th St., Newport News, VA 23607. Services will begin at 1:30 p.m. and the family will receive visitors immediately after the service.
Myrna was born in New York, N.Y., on March 16, 1936, to Clarence and Ana Holmes. She was the eldest daughter of their six children and attended New York City public schools until her graduation from high school. Myrna enjoyed sports including basketball and water and snow skiing.
At her mother's encouragement, immediately upon graduation from high school, Myrna entered nursing school. Myrna recalled her mother's insistence that she enter a profession that would sustain her throughout her life. Nursing school was a challenging and vigorous program in which she excelled.
Myrna began her nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse working at hospitals in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area as well as in private duty. She also held a leadership role in managing a Quality Care nursing service in East Orange.
Myrna was introduced to the eventual love of her life through mutual friends. She and Julian developed a lasting friendship that began with her campaign bid for East Orange City Council. Although she did not win the campaign, she won the heart of her campaign manager and they were married by the newly elected mayor of East Orange in the following year.
Myrna's caregiving expertise took her career in a new direction when she was hired as a mental health social worker for the City of East Orange, N.J. This new position called on her nursing skills and compassion for the de-institutionalized patients transitioning into the community. She pioneered new standards and practices for supporting this community and was recognized for this important work. She was an active participant in community mental health boards and other advocacy groups to advance awareness and support for mental health issues. Myrna retired after 17 years of dedicated service.
In her personal life, Myrna was a faithful member of Imani Baptist Church of Christ in East Orange, N.J. She was an expert crocheter, avid gardener and interior decorator who loved to entertain. She and Julian were particularly fond of Caribbean cruise travel and enjoyed visiting southeastern Virginia. After retiring from the City of East Orange, Myrna and Julian moved to Newport News, Va., where she continued her nursing profession.
Mrs. Bartee will be missed her children, Sheila A. Miner, Mark H. Porter and his wife, Angela, and Leslie Fitzsimmons; as well as a special niece, Aletha V. Fields. She is survived by three of her five siblings, Clarence Holmes, Dr. M. Elizabeth Holmes and Earl Holmes. Mrs. Bartee leaves a family legacy through six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and close friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ana Holmes; and her sisters, Kay Ferguson and Irene Smith. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.