Betty Jean B Holmes, fondly Known As, "Aunt Betty”, “Cousin Betty”, and “Nano", was born on October 17, 1935, in Fredericksburg, Texas, to Uhmon Thomas and Ada B. Booker. Betty Jean transitioned from Earth to Glory, while resting in her home in San Antonio, Texas, on March 10, 2022. At the time of her passing, Betty reached the precious age of 86.
In 1961, Betty met and married Edward L. Holmes; to this union, three boys, Edward, Dwaine and Benjamin, and three girls, Joyce, Mary, and Angelia, were born. Edward L. Holmes was enlisted in the U.S Army, and together he and Betty Jean traveled the world, while Edward served in the U.S. Army. Betty Jean received her high school diploma in 1951, from Phyllis Wheatley High School. Betty always emphasized to her children, grandchildren, and peers the importance of obtaining a degree, pursuing a career, and keeping God first. She began studying at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas (later renamed Texas State University). Despite the challenges Betty Jean faced that prevented her from earning a degree early on, Betty Jean always had the desire to return to school. In 2018, at the tender age of 82, Betty decided she would be an example to her family and show that it is never too late to reach your goals. She enrolled into the American Intercontinental University, and graduated in February 2020 (at 84 years old) with an Associate of Arts degree.
While working full-time and caring for her six young children, Betty pursued her passion in fashion. Betty was more than a seamstress, designer and mother, she was also an entrepreneur. She and her friend, Rosetta Penn, started and opened a design and clothing store, Betty and Roseatta’s Boutique. Betty Jean and Rosetta designed and sold their clothing and other products to the community. The hardship of the community forced Betty and Rosetta to cease their operation.
Betty was employed at CrestHaven Social Services as a Director for over a decade until the agency closed. She became employed at the Center for Health Care Services (CHCS) in San Antonio, Texas, as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), serving for over 20 years. She retired in 2005. After her retirement from ChCS, Betty held several Case Manager and Counselor positions in the Social Services Entities.
Betty dedicated her life to Jesus Christ at an early age, setting the foundation of a life that she not only spoke and talked about, but diligently lived out before God and her family. Betty was a Lifetime member of Faith Temple Apostolic Church, under the leadership of Bishop Horace M. Young. Betty continued her membership, under the leadership of Pastor Douglass Thompson, when the church was renamed to Genesis Full Life Fellowship. In 1998, Betty created the “Ever Ready Prayer Group”. The sisters held a prayer circle, contacting each other at 5:00 A.M. each morning, to pray. These prayer warriors, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, bombarded heaven in intercession not only for their families, but for this world. Truly the effectual fervent prayers of these righteous ones availed much.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, two sisters, three brothers, two grandchildren, as well as her beloved middle son, Dwaine E. Holmes. She is survived by her eldest sister, Idell Green and her brother, Leroy Shield, five children; Edward L. Holmes, II (Lucille), Joyce E. Holmes-Wilson (James), Benjamin A. Holmes, Mary C. Holmes, Angelia C. Hendricks (K. Ellis), seventeen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, her dear friend and cousin, Ruth Williams, a host of nephews, nieces, Godchildren, cousins and friends. This mighty woman of God left a legacy of love, prayer and commitment that will be forever cherished!
Psalm 34:1—3 "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together."