August 1, 1927 – December 23, 2015

 

Lula Bell Benton Holman was born on August 1, 1927 in Raymond, Miss. to the late Will and Olivia Benton. She was the older of their two children. Her sister, Emma Wells preceded her in death.

She attended Southern Christian institute (SCI) in Edwards, Miss., where she lived on campus in Smith Hall. Her dormitory counselor was the late Jessie B. Mosley. Holman graduated from SCI in 1950.

She was united in holy matrimony to the late Dennis Holman Sr. They had two children, Shirley Holman Norris and Dennis Bernard Holman Jr., who preceded her in death.

She confessed her belief in Christ at an early age and united with Shear Groove Baptist Church in Raymond, Miss. She later moved to Jackson and united with Mt. Nebo Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Fred Black.

During her early years at Mt. Nebo she was a member of the choir. She was an usher for over 35 years where she served several terms as president of the usher board and where she served in a leadership position on the social committee.

She was an active member of the Heroines of Jericho for many years.

Holman departed her earthly home on Dec. 23, 2015 in the early morning.

She leaves to mourn two daughters, Barbara Warner and Emma Harris of Jackson; two sons, Melvin Holman and Dwight Holman of Jackson; seven grandchildren, Courtney Harris of Jackson, Chandler (Kim) Evans of Richmond, Va., Jesse (Star) Norris of Houston, Texas, Demitri Norris of Houston, Texas, Yolanda (Terrance) Boyd of Houston, Texas, Renita Gamblin and Tarsha Gamblin of Jackson; two sons-in-law, Reginald Harris of Jackson and Jesse Norris Sr. of New Orleans; extended family, Hattie Gamblin (Sam), Don Lewis, Arthur Kersh, and Freddie Davis; and a host of other relatives and friends.