Flora Grace Holmes

Flora Grace Holmes was born August 6th 1932 in Dayton Ohio to parents George and Virginia McLane, both who preceded her in death.

Affectionately known as "Flo" she was the middle child of 15 children; eight whom preceded her in death (Margarete, George, Sylvia, Faith, Kenneth, Georgia, Rose and Francis).

An adventurous child, Flo left Dayton at age 15. Her first stop was Boston Mass. where her sister Charlotte resided. After a brief stay in Boston her wanderlust brought her to "Harlem", New York City. Flo briefly lived with her brother George and his wife Lucille. During that time she met and eventually married Reginald Samuel Holmes Sr. From that union they had six children; Regina, Reginald, Clennan, Floyd (deceased), Sylvia and Steve.

Flo continued her education through the NYC school system while working full time and raising her six children despite being faced with becoming a single parent. She first obtained her GED then attended Helen Fuild School of Nursing earning her LPN and RN license.

Working full time, Flo continued to move forward with her education while attending the CW POST campus of Long Island University with her daughter Regina. They both graduated on Mother's Day 1982 earning a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. Flo made the Dean's List at graduation.
Flo worked for Manhattan State Hospital as an aide then as a Psychiatric RN upon graduation. Psych nursing was her passion and her calling. Many were helped along the way by Flo's knack of connecting with people and lending an understanding and listening ear.

Flo was very supportive, giving and loyal to family, friends and even made strangers feel welcome. She was equally tough when she deemed necessary. Flo was considered short in stature but a giant among us. Like a lioness protecting her cubs her children and grandchildren always felt safe, loved and believed anything was possible. A great story teller and wonderful singer Flo was legendary for her "Harlem" parties and gatherings. Also known for providing a quote for every situation or problem we dubbed her quotes "Floisms".

Flo always had room in her home for friend and family passing through or needing a meal. We nicknamed her home "The Underground Railroad at Flo's Place"
Flo eventually retired from New York State and moved back to her place of birth to be close to her mother in her declining years.

Settling back in Dayton, Flo worked for the VA of Dayton where she met many friends and the legendary parties continued. Flo also continued her tradition of family gatherings; especially with her grandchildren in the Dayton area. Flo eventually retired again but never stopped being active in service to others. She was a member of College Hill Church, The Dayton Art Institute, The Red Cross, The Black Nurses Associations, NAACP and many other causes she considered important.

Flo Departed on December 26th 2015 at home surrounded constantly by her children, grandchildren, sister Marilyn and her good friend Barbara.
She leaves her children Regina, Reginald, Clennan (Tammy), Sylvia (Delgreco), Steve (Caroline) nephews Charles and Winston, grandchildren Nicole, Darnell, Lakeisha, Tia, Terrance, Michael, Shawn, Michael, Steve Jr., Floyd, Mario, Tiana, Pebbles, Annette, Toya, Sherrese, Floyd Jr., Flora Jr., Joseph and Dishon (preceded in death), Sisters Janet Samuels, Charlotte McCluskly, Virginia Cutler, Marilyn Averett, Ruby Adams, Gladys Julius and Best Friends Mary Harris, Mary Robinson, and Barbara Rutledge to celebrate her life and legacy of service, generosity and a place to crash if necessary along with a hot meal at "Flo's Place".