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Obituary for Eleanor Jane Holmes
On Wednesday, May 18th 1910, a bouncing baby girl was born to Henry White and Florence Miller-White in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Early Sabbath morn(Saturday), October 13th 2012, the Almighty God quietly escorted Eleanor to that Heavenly land of perfect peace and rest at the age of 102 years 4 months and 25 days.Â
At a very tender age, Eleanor's family moved to Atlantic City, NJ, under the pastorate of the late Elder Flippens. It was here that Eleanor realized and recognized the spirit of God in her life and was immersed by Elder Flippens. She was subsequently placed in the choir, giving her exposure to the "Gift of Singing". Soon after, Eleanor with her family, relocated to Philadelphia, PA, under the pastorate of the late Bishop August M. Crowdy. Here, she matriculated through the School District of Philadelphia.
During her pre-teen years, Eleanor attended the Thursday night Sewing Circle, helping the daughters who make quilts. This was the onset of her "Gift of Serving". She further developed this gift by serving in the Church restaurant and by delivering baskets of food to the poor. She enhanced her "Gift of Singing" by becoming a choir member of the Philadelphia Tabernacle. She was often requested to sing a solo entitled, "Old Home Jim". Eleanor's love for music continued to grow as she became a vital part of "zion's Versatile Singers" and "Star of Zion". She was known, loved and respected for taking the time to teach the younger generation voice culture, as she nurtured them to offer harmonious renditions.
In 1979, Eleanor's membership was with the Tabernacle in Trenton, NJ. It was here that her zeal and love for singing was so vibrant that she was appointed to the position of Choir Mistress by the late Elder George Abernathy. One could fee the vibration of her enthusiasm when she directed one of her favorite songs, "Heavenly Lights". Eleanor's "Gift of Giving" was recognized by the late Bishop Frank W. Smith. He saw the spirit of kindness, the aura of benevolence, and the energetic zeal of generosity that surrounded her. Thus appointing her to the Charitable Committee of the Daughters of Jerusalem and Sisters of Mercy.
In later years, Eleanor made a sizeable contribution to the financial request, necessary for the down payment for this edifice. She continued to support all programs and projects, making it possible for the purchase and ownership of the present edifice of the Philadelphia Tabernacle. Eleanor continued to exemplify her "Gift of Giving" through her assignment to the Look Out Committee, assisting on the Sick Commiett, rendering service to the Pastor's Table Committee. Eleanor combined her "Gift of Giving" and her "Gift of Serving" by assisting the late Rabbi Jehu A. Crowdy, Sr. in soliciting food items necessary for the preparation and serving the annual Thanksgiving dinner to the community. She also worked tirelessly as a willing worker to help raise funds for the annual local block rally.
Eleanor was honored to elegantly model the new Daughter's uniform, designed by the late St. L. Bernice Plummer, Grand Mother Sarah. Her "Gift of Serving" was further extended by assisting in the Delicatessen under management and direction of St. L. Bernice Plummer. She was fondly and lovingly called, "Ellie from the Deli". Eleanor united her "Gift of Giving" with her "Gift of Serving" as she lovingly ministered to many patients in the Methodist Hospital for over 30 years. During her tenure, she received many commendations for outstanding service and loyalty.
Eleanor's "Gift of Loving" was grounded in her union with the late Elder David L. Holmes. This union was blessed with 2 sons, Joseph and Thomas (now deceased) and 2 daughters, Mary and Sarah. In later years, Eleanor opened her home and widened her heart to welcome into her family and home, Beatrice Althea Crowdy, whom she raised as her own daughter from the age of 5 days. In her golden years, Eleanor relocated to Belleville, Virginia where she continued to share her "gifts". She volunteered to maintain the upkeep of the Memorial, as well as offering her service to the LSP Learning Center.
Eleanor greatly enjoyed life to the fullest, to include gardening, preparing succulent dishes and keeping up with the latest styles and fashions. Eleanor faithfully served under 6 Leaders. She demonstrated and rendered her many "gifts", singing loftily, loving genuinely, giving freely and serving willingly.
Eleanor's memory is lovingly cherished by her son, Joseph; 3 daughters, Mary Ward(Frank), Sarah Holloman(Alvin) and Beatrice A. Crowdy-Turner; 1 godson Elder James E. Hill, Sr.; 2 goddaughters, Sylvia W. Crowdy and Natalie Weathers; 17 grandchildren; 51 great grandchildren; great-great grandchildren and a host of family and friends.
We are grateful to the Eternal Creator for granting her the supreme blessing of longevity and we, in turn, are so very thankful for blessing us with such an incredible and "Gifted" Lady!
A viewing will be held Sunday, October 21, 2012 10:00 AM at Church of God and Saints of Christ - 602-14 South Broad Street. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM. Final resting place to conclude at Belleville Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia.
