Wanda J. Holmes

The Biography of Wanda Jeaneene Holmes

“A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth”

- Ecclesiastes 7:1

Wanda Jeaneene Grant Holmes was born in Meridian, MS to Willie Hue Grant and Edna Beatrice Watts Grant, on March 1, 1950. Wanda was the 6th of 8 children. Wanda grew to be a woman of style and grace, who shined bright in any room she stepped into.

Wanda’s walk with God began at an early age. She gave her life over to Christ at St. James AME Church in Meridian, MS. She later went on to join the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church in Clarksdale, MS. Wanda faithfully served in many different areas of the church, but one of her favorites was a Vacation Bible School teacher.

Wanda was a graduate of T.J. Harris High School in Meridian, MS. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Businesses Administration from Chicago State University. She later went on and received her Master’s degree from Chicago State University as well.

She was a member of the Clarksdale-Marks Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

On March 16th, 1971, Wanda was united in holy matrimony to Joe Willie Holmes of Clarksdale, MS. Together, Wanda and Joe shared two beautiful children, Duane and Dawn Holmes. Wanda and Joe remained happily in love until his passing in 2014.

Wanda began her career in education in the Chicago, Illinois public and private school systems. She taught in several Chicago school districts for over twenty years before relocating back to Clarksdale, Mississippi with her family in 1991. Upon relocation, she began working at Coahoma Community College as a Student Affairs counselor. After several years in Student Affairs, Wanda went on to become the Dean of Admissions and Records at Coahoma Community College. She spent her last few years at Coahoma Community College as the Director of Human Resources until her retirement in 2016. Throughout her life and teaching career, from Illinois to Mississippi, Wanda was well known as a God-fearing, caring, loving, hardworking, respectable, and charismatic woman to all those that she came across. She devoted much of her time to teaching both in and outside of the classroom. During her time on this earth, she served as a kindred spirit whose willingness to help others and her community made long-lasting impacts.

Visitation will be Friday November 5, 2021 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Royal Funeral Home.  The Celebration of Life will be Saturday November 6, 2021, 12:00 PM, at New Covenant MB Church.  Rev. Edward T. Thomas will be officiating.  Rev. Kenneth Gooden is pastor.  Burial will follow at McLaurin Memorial Gardens.