Margie Rea Holmes

Margie Bell Holmes was born May 22, 1928 in Mineola, Texas.. She was the sixth child born to the parents of Walter and Stella Bell.

Margie attended Cedar Tree Methodist Church where she was introduced and taught at an early age regarding her faith in Christ.

Margie went on to Wood County Elementary School and attended Quitman Colored High School in Quitman, Texas - now known as WB Clark High School – and graduated in 1945. Following high school, Margie entered Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas and graduated with a (B.S.) Bachelors of Science in elementary education in 1949. After graduating from college, Margie relocated to Dallas, Texas to be closer to her siblings.

Later on, Margie met and married Andrew Holmes Jr., and to this union, a daughter was born on July 21, 1952.

She became an active member of St. Paul Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas and was a dedicated Sunday school teacher.

Margie started her journey and successful career in educating children at Dallas Day Nursery in Dallas, Texas. She then moved on to became a kindergarten teacher at St. Johns School in Dallas, Texas. In 1964, Margie relocated to Portland, Oregon where one of her siblings resided.

For her church faith, Margie attended Allen Temple and Bethel AME Church when she arrived in Portland and became a faithful member of Ainsworth UCC (United Church of Christ). She served on many boards and committees.

In 1964, Margie accepted a teacher and counselor position at the Parry Center for Children in Portland, Oregon. And in 1966 she became a teacher for the Portland Public Schools Early Childhood Education Headstart Program.

Margie was selected to enter a Masters program at the University of Oregon in 1970, where she received a (M.S.) Masters of Science Degree in Education. After receiving her Masters degree she resumed her employment with the Portland public schools as a Curriculum Specialist.

While extraordinary in everything she took on, her desire was to return to the classroom. She became a first grade teacher at Whitman Elementary until 1979. In 1980, she relocated to Kansas City, Kansas. She was instrumental in organizing the Kansas City Community College Childcare Center, where she became the Executive Childcare Director. Additionally, she traveled to the University of Kansas in Topeka to present educational workshops and seminars.

After retiring in 1996, Margie moved back home and stayed active and involved in many extracurricular activities. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, part of a birthday group who honored and celebrated many individuals’ birthdays, she was a volunteer and day manager at Albertina Kerr consignment shop. She also served on the board at Albertina Kerr for 16 years before finally retiring. For 18 years, Margie was an active and loyal attendee of an exercise fitness group.

Preceding her in death were Margie’s parents, Elder Walter Bell and Stella Jackson Bell. Her siblings, Ruby Morgan, Carvin Bell, Jewel Weaver, Clara McMeans, Marie Ramsey and Imogene Jones.

Margie Holmes leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Stella “Pat” Holmes-Wood of Portland, Oregon, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and many many great friends. She will be deeply missed by all.

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