Lamarril Holmes

Lamarril Holmes, known to some as “Mama Doo,” passed away on November 24, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by her devoted family. She was 78 years old..

Lamarril was born on March 4, 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the youngest of nine children born to Geraldine and Clinton Harris and was raised in Meacham Park, St. Louis. Lamarril attended J. Million Turner School and the Kirkwood School District.

In holy matrimony, Lamarril joined her life with Orlando Holmes and together they built a home rooted in love. She was a steadfast wife and an extraordinary mother to her two sons, Darryle and Aaron. Lamarril carried her role as a mother with grace and pride, nurturing her boys with unwavering love, guidance and strength.

From their earliest days, she instilled in Darryle and Aaron the  importance of family, unity, and compassion. Lamarril was more than a mother; she was their foundation and their comfort. One truth remained constant throughout their lives: her love for them was deep, boundless and unmistakable.

Lamarril professed her life to Christ and was a devoted member of the Church of God Meacham Park.

From a young age, Lamarril had a remarkable gift for cooking. Her natural talent in the kitchen became a source of connection, comfort and joy for her entire family. Her meals not only nourished the body but also warmed the soul, bringing loved ones together time and time again. Throughout her life Lamarril worked at Bethesda many years and as Certified Nursing Assistant caring for others with compassion and dedication. She later applied her culinary skills professionally, working for the Webster Groves School District, Martha Rounds and ultimately retiring after several years of cooking for KinderCare. No matter where she worked, Lamarril touched the lives of many with her kindness, warmth and unwavering work ethic.

Lamarril also loved to shop, with an eye for beauty and a taste for the very best. Beyond her impeccable style, she found joy in life’s simple pleasures: solving crossword puzzles, watching TheYoung and the Restless and the Hallmark Channel, gathering with family at cookouts and most of all, spending time with her grand-children and great-grandchildren. In her eyes, her grands could do no wrong. She spoiled each and every one of them - not out of indulgence, but out of deep, unconditional love. To her grandchildren, she was more than a grandmother - she was a safe place, asource of joy, wisdom and a presence filled with warmth. Lamarril was the true definition of the kind of grandmother one can only wish to have.

Lamarril was the matriarch of her family and the last surviving member of her eight siblings. Her presence made a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her radiant spirit will be profoundly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Orlando Holmes; son, Darryle Harris; grandson Adrian Harris; her brothers, William, Bobbie, Norval Sr., and Delbert Harris; sisters, Eleanor, Alteray, Lowrine and Ardell; nieces, Mamie Holmes, Geraldine Webb and Linda Harris; great-nieces, Lamarril Webb and Patricia Webb; and lifelong friends, Catherine Davis (Peddie), Lorraine Wright (Poopie), Margret Williams and Ruth Brooks (Topsy).

Lamarril is survived by her treasured son, Aaron Harris (Tausha); daughter-in-law, Vivian Harris, grandchildren, Ryan Royal, Andrea Macklin, Aaron Harris, Jr., Amanda Harris and Andre Harris (Addie); great-grandchildren, Zyan Royal, Jordan Harris, MaKayla Marable, Jarell Harris, Zamiyah Harris, Dallas Royal, MaKhi Marable, Adrian Harris, Jr. and King Harris; brother-in-law, Clearance Holmes and sister-in-law, Doreen Harris. Lamarril leaves behind a host of beloved nieces and nephews, along with extended family and dear friends, all of whom will continue to cherish her memory.