Sidney Holmes

Sidney Holmes was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor, friend and man of strong faith. He was born to Jeffery Holmes Sr. and Leola West on April 15, 1952, in Monroe, Louisiana, and was named after his grandfather. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Jeffrey Young. His early years in Monroe were instrumental in shaping his leadership and values. As a boy, he always had a strong work ethic. He displayed trustworthiness and excelled academically. (He skipped a grade in elementary school due to his exceptional math prowess!)

Together, Sid and his older brother, Jeff, worked all kinds of jobs: shining shoes, mowing lawns and doing housework for people of greater means, which spurred them both to greater things. His first jobs in high school and college included stints at the city zoo, where he nurtured his love for animals, and at the City of Monroe, where he honed his work ethic and leadership abilities.

Upon graduating from Carrol High School, Sid enrolled at Northeast Louisiana University, where he studied Political Science and pledged Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, having the distinction of being a charter member of the first Greek letter organization for black students at the school (now known as the University of Louisiana at Monroe). In 2022, he was excited to return to campus to be honored as a charter member at the 50th anniversary celebration and reunion of his Alpha chapter, Eta Chi.

Sid was drawn to leave Monroe and move north, where he briefly attended Syracuse University and worked for Chrysler Corporation - a perfect place to connect with his passion for cars. After leaving Chrysler, he returned south and began his career with Conoco Chemicals in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He frequently acknowledged that divine intervention, through a haphazard encounter with someone who is now a dear friend, brought him to the company - now known as Sasol North America - where he spent the entirety of his 30-year career and met his beloved wife, Vicki.

In 1985, he was transferred from his supervisory position at the company's LAB Plant in Lake Charles to the Houston headquarters of Sasol North America and became a converted Texan. At the time of his retirement from the company in 2006 due to health reasons, Sid held the position of National Sales Manager, a role in which he excelled, in part due to his expertise in so many aspects of the business, including plant operations, transportation, logistics and customer service.

Though he had a passion for cars, Sid also enjoyed golf, fishing, bowling, cooking and at one time, coed volleyball. Sid also loved his church community and remained committed to creating and serving his community throughout his spiritual journey in pursuit of Christ-likeness. He previously served as Chairman of the Board of Members Choice Credit Union. He was inspired by being able to study scripture and to teach, lead and care for small group communities in his current and former church homes in Houston: First Metropolitan Church and McGee Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, respectively. He also enjoyed actively participating in his House Church community at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Ashlee and her family live.

Next to his love for God and the Kingdom, Sid's family was his priority and joy. He leaves the love of his life of 37 years, Vicki Denton Holmes, to cherish his memory. In addition to their daughter, Ashlee Holmes Eiland (Delwin), he is survived by his children: daughters Amanda Holmes Bryant (Larry), Waller, TX, and Adrianne Titus, Syracuse, NY; and sons Sidney Holmes, Jr. (Kim), Katy TX, and David Holmes (Alexis), Powder Springs, GA. He delighted in his being the adored "Papa" to 15 grandchildren (Journey, Myles, Brooklyn; Autumn, Adorion, Amisha; Denym, Qoraun; Elijah, Emmanuel, Venetia, Sid III, Bianca, Kijon and Whitney) and five great-grandchildren. He also is survived by five siblings: Lela Harris, Syracuse, NY; Jeffery Holmes, Jr. (Lawana), Fayetteville, GA; Freddie Holmes, Syracuse, NY; Gloria Young, Monroe, LA; and Samuel Young (Janet), Dallas, TX. His sister, Mabel Durham, Syracuse, NY, preceded him in death.

He was "Uncle Sid" to many nieces and nephews, as well as five godsons: Jake Prince, Chris and Sean Simmons, and Evan and Nathan White.

Sid's loved ones are grateful he is no longer in any pain and that he doesn't have to struggle to walk or drive again. Throughout his life - and particularly during his long health journey - Sid demonstrated all the fruit of the Spirit, notably that of love, peace, perseverance and faithfulness. He lived out the promise given through the prophet Isaiah:

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:30-31

Sid took his last breath on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, surrounded by family, holding his daughter's hand, pain-free and in peace. He had joyfully returned home just four days prior, and was in hospice care.