Nancy Ellen Holmes
Nov. 22, 1946 – Mar. 13, 2021
Nancy Ellen Holmes, 74, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, March 13, 2021, after a long battle with dementia.
She was preceded in death by her parents William “Jack” Richardson and Rhoda Podolski Richardson; and one brother, William “Kelly” Richardson. Nancy is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 52 years, Robert “Bobby” Holmes; son Byron W. Holmes (Mary Brantley Holmes); son R. Kedron Holmes (Elizabeth Williams); daughter Claire E. Holmes (Robby Allen); six grandchildren; and many extended family members.
Nancy graduated from Huguenot High School in 1964 and attended Mary Washington College before transferring to Virginia Tech, where she received her BA in 1968. She received an MS from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1992. Nancy worked in the family business, Richmond Business Forms, Inc., and in Human Resources for McGuire Woods, Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce, and the Virginia Department of Transportation, where she retired as an HR Manager in 2012. Nancy loved people, Hokie football, tailgating with the “TEK’s”, and competitive tennis. She cherished family vacations on the Outer Banks, and her greatest joy was being on the beach at sunset.
Nancy’s Christian faith guided her life. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and wonderful friend. The family thanks Nancy’s dear friends, Cheri Dahl and Madeline Blackwell, for their unconditional friendship, James River Hospice, and many others who provided care.
A visitation and memorial will be held Saturday, March 20 at 2 p.m. at Good Shephard Lutheran Church, with the memorial service beginning at 3 p.m. Please RSVP the church at 804-897-0262 if you plan to attend. A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church later. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association are appreciated.
We were so sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. We have many great memories of our times with Nancy & Bobby at the theater, Clover Hill & Rotary functions. Peace to all.
Thinking of you all and remembering the wonderful times we had in the Sunrise Bluff neighborhood! Sending condolences to you Bobby and family. Leslie and Kevin Gross
Nancy was such a wonderful neighbor in our Brighton Green days. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing
We are sorry to read of your great loss and remember Nancy with joy. She was a sweet friend, wonderful hostess, smart card player and enthusiastic tennis player. Nancy was always fun to be around and loved her family dearly. Shaun and I send our sincere condolences to the family and pray for your comfort and peace in this sad time.
I remember Nancy fondly and loved having you all as neighbors! Prayers of comfort for you, Bobby, and your family.
Mary Kirby
Nancy was such a happy person, loving wife, adoring mother & we are sure she was loved by her grandchildren too. We’ll always remember Nancy enjoying her tennis & endless chattiness & laughter with her many friends at Woodlake. Bobby you’ve been an amazing husband & caregiver to Nancy. You are a model to all of us. Nancy always spoke of her family with such love & adoration. She will be missed by many. All our love, prayers & condolences.
From the McDonough family