Mrs. Lillie D. Holmes was born on Sunday, January 12, 1930 to the late Mrs. Lillie Beard Brown and the late Mr. Robert D. Forman. After the death of her mother at an early age, she was raised by her maternal Aunt, the late Mrs. Queen Lanier until adulthood. She was affectionately known in the community as "Honey" and to her children as "Madear".

Professing her faith and accepting Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, she united with the Hayes Chapel Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama under the pastorage of Reverend Lawson. She received her Christian foundation here and served faithfully as church secretary and in the choir until she moved her membership to Pilgrim Home Baptist Church to join her husband and children. While a member of Pilgrim Home, she served as chairwoman of the Deaconess Board, member of the Senior Choir and Treasurer of the Missionary Society. After much prayer and consideration, in 2013, she reunited with her home church Hayes Chapel Baptist where she worshipped faithfully until her health declined.

She received her formal education through the Jefferson County School System, attending Hooper City High School. She was one of the founding members of the Golden Links Social and Savings Club and remained an active member for over 30 years serving as Secretary. She was also active in the Greenlea Heights Civic League as well as The Order of Eastern Star-Noble Rose Christine Coleman Grand Chapter No. 78. For the last seven years, she enjoyed attending Hooperville Senior Citizen Center where she loved to play dominos.

She was employed by Carraway Methodist Medical Center as an elevator operator. She later became a certified nursing assistant and was employed by the Jefferson County Nursing Home for over 20 years from which she retired.

On February 15, 1947, she was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Mr. Timothy Holmes, Sr. A union of 62 blessed years until his death. This union produced eight children, nine grand-children, and ten great-grandchildren. Her oldest son, Timothy Holmes, Jr. and her grandson, Kenneth Wayne Holmes, Jr. preceded her in death.
On Saturday evening, August 13, 2016, surrounded by her children, she peacefully answered the call to her heavenly home.
She leaves to cherish her precious loving memories five daughters: Ms. Queenie H. Hudson, Mrs. Yvonne H. Gary (Mack Arthur), Ms. Velma H. Petty, Mrs. Pamela H. Johnson (Lamont, Sr.) and Ms. Temeka R. Holmes; two sons: Mr. Norbert Holmes and Mr. Kenneth W. Holmes, Sr. (Trela) all of Birmingham, AL. Daughter-in-law Teressa C. Holmes of Marietta, Ga.; Eight grandchildren: Richard D. Eusery (Sharlene), Marcus E. DeLoach (Tajah), Adarion Connor (LarDrea), Candyce L. Eusery, Lamont Johnson, Jr. (Alicia), Christeny Y. Gary, Derek J. Holmes, and Lametria D. Johnson. Eleven great grandchildren. One sister, Mrs. Rosie Lee Young. Brother, Mr. Harry Dowdell (Esther) and her best friend Mrs. Geraldine Parks. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 12:00 Noon at Hayes Chapel Baptist Church, 4645 Embry Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35207. Interment in Zion Memorial Gardens.