Marsha Holmes

Marsha Maria Evans Holmes, 77, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, was born on January 12, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland, at Union Memorial Hospital. She passed away on March 28, 2026.

Marsha was the daughter of the late Meredith Milton Evans and Thelma Aurora Wynn Evans. She was raised in Turner Station, Maryland where she attended Turner Elementary School. She was the first African American student to integrate Merritt Point Elementary School. Marsha graduated from Dundalk Senior High School and continued her education at Morgan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics—an achievement that reflected her determination and intellect.

Marsha built a successful and respected career as an executive with Verizon. She began her career in the 1970s when the company was known as C&P Telephone, and she was known for her professionalism, leadership, and dedication. During her time with the company, she transferred to various offices in the mid-Atlantic region, working in finance, engineering, and regulatory affairs. Before retiring as Vice President for the Payphone and Operator Services Business Unit, Marsha led and guided managers to achieve corporate goals while also focusing on human needs.

Beyond her career, Marsha embraced life with a deep love for travel, creating lasting memories through the many places she explored. Her journeys reflected her curiosity, appreciation for culture, and joy in experiencing the world. She fulfilled a lifelong goal of visiting every continent, culminating with a 2020 trip to Antarctica, which became her favorite destination.

Family was at the center of Marsha’s life. Her son, Adrian, was her pride and joy, and she loved him deeply. Despite the demands of her high-level career, he was always her first priority. Marsha cherished spending time with Adrian and his family.

Marsha found lasting love with her husband, Dr. John W. Holmes. In the early 1990s, she met and married her “beloved John.” Together, they built a beautiful blended family that included Adrian, John, Elizabeth, and Kathlene, along with grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Grandma Marsha.” In a reflection of her thoughtful and intentional nature, she hosted her grandchildren for summer vacations and trips, creating memories they will carry for a lifetime.

Marsha and John shared many meaningful experiences, including traveling the world together and giving back as philanthropists to their alma maters, Morgan State University (MSU) and the University of Michigan. Marsha was one of the original six members of the Jacksonville MSU Alumni Association and helped to expand the chapter’s reach throughout Florida and to raise funds for scholarships. She also served with distinction on the Board of Regents at Morgan State University, as well as on the boards of various organizations, such as Jack and Jill, Inc., and Mary Baldwin College.

Marsha was a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and remained active for many years after pledging on the Alpha Delta line at Morgan State University. She was a Golden Soror and served Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated for a total of 58 years.

Marsha’s faith was a guiding force in her life. As a lay person, she served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Formation Teacher, and Senior Warden as well as on the leadership teams of Solo Flight (a singles ministry) and Christ Church Cares (a pastoral care ministry). After retirement, she embarked on a new journey to ordination. In her second career, she served as a devoted deacon, where she found purpose in service and deep connection within her church community. She was instrumental in re-designing and renewing deacon training in the Episcopal Diocese of Florida and was an advocate for women in ministry. With a passion for justice and healing, Marsha was instrumental in developing ministries for racial healing at Christ Episcopal Church and in the diocese.

Marsha completed her Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in the first class offered by Community Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeast Florida. She said, “It affirmed my call to be with people as they grieve, but also to be with the patient in that very thin place before death.” Marsha was trained in Spiritual Direction by the Haden Institute in Hendersonville, North Carolina. As a Spiritual Director, she offered prayerful encouragement and support regardless of where a Directee was on their sacred journey.

Marsha will be remembered for her grace, her accomplishments, her love of travel, and the meaningful relationships she cultivated throughout her life. Her strength, warmth, and presence touched all who knew her.

Marsha was predeceased by her loving husband, John. She is survived by her son, Adrian Lawrence, with his wife, Michelle; her stepchildren, John Holmes and Elizabeth Littlejohn, with her husband, Dwight; Kathlene Campbell, with her husband, Christopher; and her beloved grandchildren, Aaron Lawrence, Lillian Lawrence, Mia Littlejohn, and Preston Littlejohn.

She is also survived by her brother, Meredith Evans, Jr., with his wife Dean; her sister, Sharon Attaway; her nephews, Christopher Evans, with his wife Andrea, and Nebuchadnezzar Attaway; her niece, Alexandra Attaway; and a host of cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, April 6, 2026, at 11:00 am in Christ Episcopal Church. A Committal Service will be held on Tuesday, April 7th at 10:00 a.m. at Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Marsha did request in lieu of flowers to please consider contributing to Community Hospice & Palliative Care.