Gloria Nell Holmes

Gloria Nell Howard Holmes passed away quietly at home after an extended battle with pulmonary fibrosis on January 14, 2024. She was a beloved mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Gloria is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Captain James David Holmes USMC; her sister, Ila (Skip) Woodington; sister-in-law, Fran Douglas Howard; and her grandson, David Lowell Shadd.

She is survived by her 3 daughters: Janice Ramos of Middleburg, FL, Kathy Ritchie of Lake Butler, FL, and Jeannie (Tim) Carson of Fleming Island, FL; her 7 grandchildren, Crista Green and Ryan Green both of Middleburg, FL, Hazen Willis, Jennifer (Brian) Dampier, and James Willis all of Alachua, FL, Brandon (Crystal) Craig and Jared Cody (Krystal) Craig both of Lake City, FL; her great-grandchildren, Gage Jimenez, Troy French, Aubrey Propes, Dalton Dampier, Emily Dampier, Kiley Craig, Aubree Craig, Arya Craig, Raelyn Craig, Reagan Sterling, Bebo Sterling, and Caris Craig; her sister, Barbara (Edward) Carter and brother, Shands (Lori) Howard both of Lake Butler, and numerous beloved nephews, nieces, and cousins from all areas of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.

Gloria "Sugarnell" was born June 27, as the oldest child of William Shands Howard and Opal Baxter Howard in 1934 during the Great Depression. She married her "Jimmy" who joined the marine corps and whisked her away to spend 23 years and 32 house moves until his retirement in 1972. They then returned to their hometown of Lake Butler, FL. She worked as a bookkeeper, kindergarten teacher, secretary, college instructor, and owner (3 locations) of fabric stores. She retired at the age of 50 and went on to care for her aging relatives and parents. Gloria was a member of Crosspoint Baptist Church in Middleburg, FL.

A Celebration of Gloria's life will be held on Tuesday, January 30th at Harmony Free Will Baptist Church, Lake Butler. The family will receive friends for a visitation beginning at 10:30am with the service following at 11:00am. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com