Erma Melissa Holmes

Our beautiful daughter, Erma Melissa Holmes, was born on July 8, 1987, and passed away on July 28, 2026.

Erma was a tiny little thing when she was first placed in our arms, and our entire family fell in love with her immediately. Although she was a quiet child, her sparkling smile and contagious laugh—one that made her nose crinkle—spoke volumes about the joy she carried in her heart.

When Erma was five years old, we were officially able to adopt her. She chose to keep her first name, Erma, because she had been named after her biological grandmother. Later, she chose the middle name Melissa after her childhood best friend, a name she proudly carried throughout her life.

Erma had the sweetest soul and a heart full of kindness. She dreamed of one day opening a boys and girls home, with her friend Esha, so she could help children who needed love and support. Most recently, she began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She loved her job and found a second family among the people she worked with. She truly believed nursing was her calling and looked forward to continuing her education to become a nurse.

Above all else, Erma loved being a mother to her daughter, Lilee. They were more than mother and daughter—they were best friends who stood by one another through everything. For many years, Erma also helped raise Lilee’s half-brother, Amari, loving him with all her heart as well.

Erma is survived by her loving parents, Glen and Susan Holmes; her grandmother, Patricia Cryder; her brothers, Jonathon Holmes and his wife, Peteri, and Daniel Holmes and his wife, Meron; her sister, Rebecca and her husband, Byron; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who loved and cherished her.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Jacob, and we find comfort in believing that they have been joyfully reunited and are riding their bikes together.