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Maria R. Holmes-Simms, Esq., age 64, departed this life on July 5, 2016 following a brief illness, at her home, in Hampton, VA. Maria attended public schools in Hampton and graduated from Kecoughtan High School in 1969. She earned a Bachelors of Arts from Morgan State University where, in Spring 1971, she was initiated into the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Upon graduating from Morgan, Maria continued her education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, earning a Master of Arts in Communications Disorders and at Brooklyn Law School where she received her Juris Doctor degree.
Maria loved and practiced law for many years and retired from the Virginia Commonwealth Attorney’s Office in Portsmouth, Virginia. She subsequently engaged enthusiastically in her passions of cooking, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Harry "Bootsie" Holmes, Eva Mae C. Holmes Williams and step-father, Justice Joseph B. Williams. She is survived by her devoted twins, Adrianne (daughter) and Andrew (son), first cousins, Earl J. Holmes (Carolyn), Gregory Morris (Tunisha), Mary Harrison; sister-in-law, Adrienne Simms-Borge (David),brother-in-law, Jeffrey Simms, and a host of relatives and close friends.
A “Celebration of Life,” will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 11, 2016 at Queen Street Baptist Worship Center, 98 North Armistead Avenue, Hampton. Interment will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held on Sunday, July 10th from 12:00 noon until 6 p.m. at the funeral home. The Omega Omega Service, conducted by Hampton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Family visitation will commence immediately following the service. Services are entrusted to Ronald Perkins Funeral Home, 251 W. Queen St., Hampton, VA.
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Bonnie Bridger (Mittelmaier) (1969)
The news of Maria's passing just shocked me! I always remembered Maria's sweet smile, laugh, and gentle nature. What a smart girl she was who grew up and into a very accomplished woman, achieving many high levels of education, a mother to twins, a great friend to many, enjoying a successful career, and living a fulfilled life. The last time I saw Maria was at our 2009 KHS Class Reunion. It was a pleasure to reconnect and catch up and enjoy hearing all about what had been going on. Time moves so swiftly, as they say that river rolls on and you can only touch that water once. I wish so much I could have seen her one more time and shared some happy memories. It was not to be, now she rests in the arms of heaven. Till we meet again, sweet Maria.
Howard White (1969)
Maria was a gem. When you see a picture of Maria all those wonderful years ago. There are the inevitable snapshots that come into your mind. Those snapshots that are lasting memories. A magical movie that you never forget. Walking down the halls of KHS and passing Maria was always a treat. A smile that always brightened the passerby. A personable individual that always took time to speak or engage with you. Maria went to our Ring Dance with me. I was shocked when she said yes. It wasn't just yes, but yes with that same bright smile with those dimples. I scored a lot of points and was a part of a lot of great moments at Kecoughtan, but that's a memory that will never fade. I last saw Maria when she came to support me at a Hall of Fame induction In Va Beach. Same bright smile, caring personality and the ever present touch of class. She was an elegant young lady at Kecoughtan that grew into an elegant woman. She was extremely bright and smart. But, in the end they aren't the qualities that are stamped into our hearts. Her smile with the little dimple and her "kindness" are the memories that will never fade away. Those are the memories that simply bring a smile to my face and brighten my day when think of her! Fly high my angel! H
Bonnie Bridger (Mittelmaier) (1969)
Thank you, Howie, for sharing this very sweet and personal memory. What a beautiful tribute to Maria, this is one of the most absolutely genuine and heartfelt I think I have ever had the pleasure and privilege to read. Don't you know Maria is smiling this very moment! You nailed it when you shared the notion of a little movie playing in our memories. I personally have many of those.