Sue Bullock Holmes, 91, of Brookhaven, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at her home. She was born on October 3, 1932, to Lonie Crawford Bullock and Jerry Bullock.

She often said she was very thankful for parents who gave her a strong work ethic. She grew up on her parents’ dairy farm in Walthall County. She picked cotton as a child and was thrilled when her dad bought the dairy farm; she was sure it was easier work. She became a hairdresser in her early adulthood.

She and her husband Al married in 1951 and were married for 70 years. She was always busy, whether teaching friends to play the dulcimer or playing dominoes with friends. She did various kinds of handwork: she was an adept quilter (always by hand) and created a great many beautiful quilts. She was an expert knitter and knit every granddaughter and great-granddaughter an exquisite dress for her first birthday. (She was still working on a dress for the youngest great-grandchild, Coco.) Her handmade Christmas ornaments are some of the most beautiful ever! She was a masterful gardener and spent countless hours making her daughter’s yard beautiful. She relinquished that job at about the age of 85. She loved the library and was an avid reader. She loved camping with her husband and children. She and Al continued to camp after their children were grown and gone; they traveled over most of the country and had countless adventures along the way.

Sue truly had a servant’s heart. One of her favorite things to do was to visit area nursing homes each week; she did this her whole adult life. She got to know the residents, and they loved her; they especially loved her many hand massages and manicures. She was a strong encourager with an infectious laugh and a beautiful smile.

Her family was her pride and joy. When her children were growing up, she was involved in their various activities; later, she loved watching the grandchildren play ball, tennis, or dance. She enjoyed recounting her time spent teaching each grandchild to drive in the nearby church parking lot or how to swim in the family pool.

She was a woman of deep, abiding faith and was a member of First Baptist Church of Brookhaven for over sixty years. She was a very active member of the Women’s Missionary Union for most of that time. In the last few years, the highlight of her week has been the Wednesday lunch and worship service for seniors at her church.

She received the Exchange Club’s Golden Deeds award in 1990 for outstanding volunteer service in the Lincoln County area. She was a longtime member of the Brookhaven Exchangettes. Also, she was the founder of the Brookmont Strings Plus dulcimer and strings group; she took great delight in playing with them.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Altus Holmes; her parents; her sister Nita Bullock Woods; her brothers Norman Bullock and Crawford Bullock; and her nephew Al Bullock.

She is survived by her son Brent (Phyllis) Holmes of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and her daughter Lynne (Bill) Lofton of Brookhaven. She has five grandchildren: Will (Grace Anne) Lofton; Lydia Lofton; Lane (Anna) Lofton; David (Liz) Holmes; and Kevin Holmes. She has six great-grandchildren: Priscilla Lofton; Karis Lofton; Liesl Lofton; Connor Holmes; Sam Lofton; Colette Lofton; and her devoted companion, her little dog Duncan.

Funeral services will be held at Riverwood Family Funeral Services on Saturday, February 17. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. with the chapel service at 2:00. Interment will be in Riverwood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to First Baptist Church Building Fund, Gideons International, or a charity of your choice.

Condolences and other information are available online at www.riverwoodfamily.com.