Wilma K. Holmes

WILMA KING HOLMES

On July 3, 2026, of North Bethesda, MD. Beloved fierce matriarch, pioneering educator, community champion, author of The Wilma Holmes Story, and phenomenal woman. Born April 25, 1933, in Washington, D.C. to the late Edith Thomas and Elton Franklin King. Wilma lived her life as a testament to Luke 12:48: “When someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.”

A graduate of D.C. Teachers College, she earned a Master’s in Education with Honors from Stanford University and an Equal Employment Certificate from George Washington University. She began her career as a D.C. classroom teacher before escalating the ranks in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). In 1972, she built and directed MCPS’s Department of Human Relations, one of the nation's first school system diversity offices. She then served as a supervisor of instruction and as the beloved principal of Flower Valley Elementary School for 20 years, leading it to become one of Maryland's top schools. Post-retirement, she coached principals and consulted.

A pillar of Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church for over 60 years, she served as a Class Leader, youth ministry manager, choir member, and 150th-anniversary chair. A proud 73-year member and chapter co-founder of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Montgomery County Chapter) and a 26-year member of The Links, Inc. (Silver Spring Chapter). Her extensive civil rights and community footprint included leadership on the Montgomery County Commission for Women (Shining Star Award, 2013), Montgomery Women, NAACP annual fundraising chair, and the Family Justice Center Foundation, Josiah Henson Project, and County Executive’s Ball committees. She was a prominent local political strategist, voter registrar, and grassroots volunteer.

Beloved wife of 47 years to Major General Arthur Holmes, Jr. (U.S. Army Retired). Devoted mother of Ricki Fairley and Sharon Fairley; stepmother of Deborah Cook and Sharon Key. Dear sister of Elton F. King, Jr. Cherished grandmother of Amanda Brown Lierman, David Nickerson, Fairley Nickerson, Hayley Brown Buxton-Punch, Nina Cook, Jarryd Key, and Jasmine Maddox Butler.  Adored great-grandmother of Belle, Leia, and Hart Lierman, Jetson Buxton-Punch, Riley and Reese Butler, and a great-grandson due this month. Also survived by great-nephew Andrew Thompson III, great-grandnephew Aiden Thompson, nieces Karla King Sampah, Melanie King, Lauren Fairley, Gladys Watson, Paul Fairley, and a host of extended family, former students, and lifelong friends.

Wilma felt strongly that she did not want to have flowers sent. In lieu of flowers, based on her wishes, the family requests memorial donations be made to TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance (touchbbca.org).

Though the following standard statement from McGuire provides a platform to send flowers, we kindly ask that you respect Wilma’s wishes.

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