Velma Lucille "Lady V" Holmes of Rockford departed this earthly life February 24, 2026. She was born November 29, 1955 in Vaughns, MS the daughter of Herie and Rosie Phillips. Velma lived in Rockford since 1979 coming from Durant, MS. She was employed as a package handler by Bonton Corporation many years before retiring, later to become a care giver by DORS.  Velma was a member of Ephesians Missionary Baptist Church serving as an Usher, driver for the Van ministry, Kitchen committee and going to visit the sick when needed.  She graduated from Durant Alternative Center and later attended college.

Velma leaves to cherish many loving memories; daughter, Bridgette Holmes; two sons, John (Chantelle Figueroa) Holmes and Nathan (Trinetta) Holmes; eight grandchildren, Michael, Alaze, Mikeleea, Shaheed, Kenai, Tawanna, Devante and Julius; 3 great grandchildren; mother, Rosie Barber Phillips; sisters, Rosie (Charlie) Blount, Janie (Charlie) Donaldson, Susan (Samuel) Black, Ethel Clay, Mary Holmes and Annie Seawood; brothers, Demond Harris, Henry Phillips, Walter Oliver and John Newman Jr; a host of nieces, nephews cousins other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her father; Herie;  her paternal grand parents who raised her, John Sr. and Annie Mae Newman; and her former husband, Nathan Holmes Sr.

Memorial services will be held 12:00 noon Saturday March 21, 2026 at Ephesians Missionary Baptist Church 1112 Taylor Street.