Margaret Ellen Holmes was born on January 12, 1952, to Sam and Jo Ella Merkey. She passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, at the age of 74.

Being one of seven children, Margaret learned from a young age how to care for others. She grew up quickly and became someone her family could always depend on. She loved her brothers, Teddy, Kenny, Larry, Richard, and especially her youngest brother, Darrel. She also shared a special and lifelong bond with her one and only sister, Judy.

Margaret had a natural passion for helping others, and she turned that love into a career in nursing. She worked in several nursing homes and doctors' offices throughout her life. She genuinely enjoyed caring for her patients and considered it a privilege to be a small part of their stories. Her compassion and caring heart touched countless lives.

Margaret began living the life she had dreamed of on August 18, 1971, when her son, Robert Dean Holmes, was born. She was a devoted mother who was present, active, and incredibly loving. Robert was her world, and she poured every ounce of love she had into being the very best mother she could be. There was nothing she wouldn't do for her son, and being his mom was one of the greatest joys of her life.

Her heart only continued to grow when she welcomed her three grandchildren, Malorie, Jason, and Lynnley. Margaret loved her grandkids with everything she had and made sure they knew it. She was never more than a phone call away and often called multiple times a day just to check in, hear their voices, and remind them how much she loved them.

Grammie's house was the place to be growing up. Spending the night with her was always a special treat because there was no set bedtime, and she would happily cook whatever you wanted, whenever you wanted it. Her grandchildren spent countless hours playing dominoes, card games, and board games with her, creating memories they will carry with them forever. She continued to be the very best Grammie to her great-grandson, Ripken Robert, whom she adored and was incredibly proud of.

Margaret was also an avid sports fan. She loved football and could often be found with the television turned on and the volume all the way up, especially when the Falcons were playing. But her favorite athletes were always her son and her grandchildren. She loved watching them compete and cheering them on in any and every sport.

Margaret is survived by her brothers, Richard Merkey and Darrel Merkey; her daughter-in-law, Carmen Holmes Givens; her three grandchildren, Malorie Kinder and her husband, Luke Kinder, Jason Holmes, and Lynnley Holmes; her great-grandson, Ripken Robert Kinder; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Robert Dean Holmes; her parents, Sam and Jo Ella Merkey; her brothers, Teddy, Larry, and Kenny Merkey; her sister, Judy; and her grandparents.

Though she is no longer here to answer the phone, cook one more late-night meal, shuffle a deck of cards, play another game of dominoes, or cheer from the stands, the love Margaret gave her family will live on in each of them. Her greatest gift was simply being their Grammie, and she will be loved and missed for generations to come.