Mabel Holmes

Mrs. Mabel Patterson Holmes, the second of eight children, was born to the parentage of Mr. Dock D. Patterson and Mrs. Mary Ellen Calloway Patterson on February 24, 1910 in Avondale, Alabama. She Graduated from Parker High School and later went on to work for Wertheimer Bag Company for over 40 years. She also worked at the Lyric Theater in Birmingham as a cashier. Her early Christian education was begun at home and was augmented by St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Avondale Community of Birmingham, Alabama. She was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Reverend James F. Holmes and served faithfully with him as First Lady of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Woodlawn, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Homewood, Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, Bessemer, and in 1970 he was moved t Allen Temple A.M.E. Church also in Bessemer, Alabama. The virtuous and loyal Mrs. Holmes was a willing worker and excellent First Lady. When Reverend Homes accept3ed his appointment as Presiding Elder, she carried her beautiful personality and cooperative spirit to the Montevallo- Anniston District of the East Alabama Conference of the Ninth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church. In 1980 Reverend J.F. Holmes became Presiding Elder of the West Birmingham Ensley District and Mrs. Mabel Homes became First Lady of this District. She carried the dister on for one year after Elder Homes became ill. After the death of Reverend Holmes; Mrs. Homes returned her membership to Allen Temple in Bessemer Alabama. She was honored by the women of Allen Temple in April 2001. Former Bessemer Mayor, Quitman Mitchell, presented a tribute to her and proclaimed April 20, 2001 as Mabel Patterson Holmes Day in Bessemer, Alabama. Mrs. Mabel Homes was honored with a 96th birthday celebration on February 24, 2006 at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church. She was presented proclamations from the City of Bessemer by Mayor Edward May, the City of Birmingham, Mayor Bernard Kincaid, and by Governor Bob Riley, Governor of the State of Alabama. She was the President of the 9th Episcopal District Women's Missionary Society und Bishop Philip R. Cousin. Her service at Allen Temple included 1st Vice President of the Women's Missionary Society, Assistant Sunday School Teacher, member of the Just Board, Bible Study Class, Benevolent and Cheer Committee, Transport6ation and Scholarship Ministries and Vacation Bible School Teacher. Mrs. Holmes' eloquent and provocative mannerisms proved an angelic blessing for all to emulate. She was a reader, a witness and a doer of God's Work. She exhibited the attributes of Florence nightingale, Mother Teresa and Mary McCloud-Bethune. Many times, maladies with which she peronlly wrestled were put on the back burner so that she could pickup a member of the church, visit the nursing home with needed articles, or deliver the weekly newspaper as well as a church bulletin. She taped sermons and helped clean and beautify the church and yards. Her prayers continued without ceasing. Mrs. Holmes delighted in being able to remember and adhere to the yesteryear code for proper attire for the church service. She dressed like a fashion model and always wore a hat5 and gloves. Mrs. Mabel Patterson Homes was a staunch advocate for children and adults alike. She offered wise counsel and gave personal support. She was an inspiration for all who knew her. Her favorite words were," Everything is Beautiful", "God loves you and so do I, Sometimes simply, "I Love You" and "One Day at a Time."