Josie (Turner) Holmes

In Loving Memory of Josie Holmes

January 28, 1936 – April 22, 2025

Josie Holmes was born on January 28, 1936, in Hughes, Arkansas, to the late Daisy and Oliver Turner. On April 22, 2025, Josie peacefully boarded the “pretty white train” to Heaven’s gates, surrounded by her beloved family and wearing a gentle smile.

Josie dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized as a young girl. At 17, she married the love of her life, Chappie Dean, and together they were blessed with eleven beautiful children. In 1968, Josie relocated to Michigan, where she continued to live a life rooted in faith, family, and service. In 1983, she became a devoted member of Brotherhood of Church of God in Christ, where she was the oldest mother of the church. 

She was employed by Mercy Hospital until its closure, JCPenney, then worked at BHAS until her retirement. Following that, she served as a foster grandparent, working with younger children in the schools until December 2024, when she became ill. 

There was something truly magical about the way she loved children—especially babies. Their presence lit up her heart like nothing else. To her, each child was a blessing, a little miracle to be cherished. She had a gentle way about her, a calm spirit that made even the fussiest baby feel safe and loved. No child was a stranger to her & was known by many as Mama.

Josie’s legacy of love, strength, and grace continues through her family. She is survived by her thirteen children: Daughters Linda Holmes of Lansing, Daisy & Stevie Archibald of Benton Harbor, Annie & Micheal Vaughn of Atlanta, Rosa Holmes of South Bend, Christine Holmes of Lansing, Kathy Holmes of South Bend, and Marie Johnson of BH. Sons Bobby & Sharon Turner of Benton Harbor, Chappie Holmes of Lansing, Tony Holmes of BH, Jimmie Holmes of Lansing, Bill & Angela Holmes of Benton Harbor & Jason Hurse of Benton Harbor. Two bonus children, Kim Perry and Teddy Henderson of Grand Rapids, and a goddaughter, Jeanette Reynolds of Benton Harbor.

Josie is lovingly remembered by her sister, Flora Turner of Benton Harbor and brother, Roy Lee Turner of Benton Harbor. With grandchildren, great grandchildren & great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Oliver & Daisy Turner her husband Chappie Holmes; her sisters Rosa Lee, Cora Bradley, Ann Anderson, and Teola Ford; and her brother, Carl Turner. Grandchildren Consuela Holmes, James D. Allen, Jermaine D. Holmes, Chapprenia Holmes, Saliyha Holmes & Tyeara Holmes,  Scertia Holmes. 

Josie’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering faith touched all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those blessed to have known her. 

On behalf of our entire family, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your kind condolences, your heartfelt prayers, and for being here today to celebrate the beautiful life of our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend.

Your presence means more to us than words can express. In this time of sorrow, your love and support have brought us comfort and strength. Thank you for honoring her memory with us, and for walking alongside us in this moment of remembrance

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