Rhonda Lynn Holmes
Rhonda Lynn Holmes, 70 of Friendswood, Texas passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024 in Houston, Texas. She was born on September 10, 1953 in Galveston, Texas. Rhonda was always proud to be BOI (Born on the Island).
Rhonda grew up in La Marque with her parents Kenneth and Juanita Bright. She attended schools in La Marque contributing a weekly column “Bright Spots” in the Texas City Sun and The Galveston Daily News. She graduated from La Marque High School Class of 1971.
Rhonda married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, George in 1972. This began the foundation for a rich and fulfilling life together for 51 years. She graduated from Texas A&M University Class of 1975 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education.
Rhonda taught first grade at Roosevelt Wilson in Texas City, until the birth of her two daughters, Tamara (1980) and Lauren (1983). As a mother, Rhonda was completely in her element and cultivated a culture of hospitality and love in her home. In 1990, Rhonda and her family moved to Friendswood which became a community that was so dear to her and she forged deep connections with everyone she came across. As a full-time mother, Rhonda made her home the place to gather and her children’s friends considered Rhonda their “other mother.” Her great passion was helping everyone in her orbit reach their full potential whether that was conversation over a glass of iced tea, a tender word at the right moment, prayer, or a long and captivating story she might share.
Rhonda loved the Lord and devoted most of her life serving in her church, the ministry of Young Life, extensive bible studies and was always at her Monday morning prayer group. She delighted in the things of God and shared her faith with everyone she spent time with. Rhonda loved music of all kinds, singing, and playing the piano, beach combing and gardening in her beautiful backyard. She enjoyed traveling the world with George all over Europe, Scottland, Ireland, China, and Australia. A favorite family pastime was boating, fishing, and spending time on the water. Rhonda cherished time with her son in laws who were a welcomed addition after raising two girls. Her most treasured role was “Gran” to Jack, Julia, Josie, and Beck. She was the quintessential grandmother that created a refuge for her grandkids and was deeply involved in their lives. She was their number one cheerleader.
Rhonda will be remembered for her bright smile, quick wit, and devotion to the Lord. Rhonda’s enduring faith sustained her and she reminded everyone that although her recent lung cancer diagnosis was a surprise to us, it was not a surprise to God. We are grateful that she is in the arms of her Savior and no longer suffering.
Rhonda is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, George Holmes of 51 years, two daughters; Tamara Lynn Phillips (Derek) and Lauren Michelle Niscavits (John), her four grandchildren; Jack Carter Phillips, Julia Kate Phillips, Josie Scout Niscavits and Beck Elijah Niscavits, sister Tangie Hutto (Bobby), brother Kenneth Bright, her mother-in-law Kathryn Holmes, Bryan Holmes (Kimber) and Larry Holmes (Tresa). She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews along with countless lifelong friends.
A Celebration of life will be at 10:00am on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at the Clear Creek Community Church in Friendswood with a Fellowship starting at 11:15am with Pastor Chris Alston and Pat Springle officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster, TX.
In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Young Life at Friendswood Young Life
So sorry 😢 to hear this
There are people in this life that when they pass we can be absolutely sure our Saviour above will greet by saying: “Well done my good and faithful servant” and that’s who Rhonda Holmes was, consistently good and always faithful. The memories of my childhood all the way to present are all linked to her good deeds in the name of Jesus. I only recently learned that our worlds were so close when she told me her grandkids live a few doors down from my own grandkids, same street, same side of the street.and only after reading this obituary did I realize we attend the same church. its a small world…a world that will be at a great loss without Rhonda. May the peace that passes understanding and the great love of God above be with you all abundantly in the wake of her passing.
I am so sorry to hear of your Moms passing…she was a sweet lady. I know she will be missed, she loved you girls so much. She and Gina Ploss are rejoicing together in HEAVEN. (Gina and I were best friends) also I watched yall grow up from the Allergy Clinic. Prayers in the upcoming days.
This came as a shock to me and probably a whole lot of her HS classmates. What a wonderful lady God has called home. RIP Ronda, you will be sorely missed.
I met Rhonda at East Texas Baptist College. She was my suitemate for 3 semesters. She immediately became the life of the party. She wore wigs & tall boots some days & ironed her long hair on others. She was always up for an adventure to the lake or Jefferson & or to get ice out of the ice machine at the local motel.
I had a car & she needed a chauffeur when George hitch hiked from College Station to Marshall for the weekend. George would buy my dinner for driving them around. I’m not sure why I didn’t just let George have the car for their dates.
When the summer came, I left for summer mission work & Rhonda went home to work & get engaged. There was no way they could wait until they graduated. George had come up with a plan on how they could do it. He even bought a car. She spent that semester planning her wedding. I was in the house party.
We spent many years apart, but I moved out of state. We did our best with letters until the internet came to be. Yet, we never saw each other until my dad was seeing a doctor in Houston. She picked us up at the hospital & took us to lunch. If was a brief visit. It made me want to be with her more. I didn’t see her again until I was in Galveston 2 years ago for my granddaughter’s gymnastics competition. We, along with our husbands, talked for a long time. I wanted more time.
Unfortunately, I have since divorced & Rhonda was one of the first for me to tell. I read her sweet advice to me after I heard of her passing. What wise & comforting words she had for me! God used her to always be that wise counselor. I saw that gift in college.
I regret not making the trip to see her after my divorce. That is my loss, but the memories I have will always be dear to me.
George, Tamara and Lauren, she was a treasure. God used her in so many ways that have never been seen to man’s eyes. She will lay many crowns at the feet of Jesus.
I’m praying for you.
My heart is so sad learning about the loss of Rhonda! She was a total delight anytime I was with her. Lots of hugs and prayers of comfort to you, George, Tamara, and Lauren and your families. May your sweet memories bring you peaceful thoughts! Love, Michele and Doug Barber.
Rhonda was a beautiful and kind soul. I got to know her, again, as I got older when her and George happened to be my guests at my table at Pappa’s Seafood. We then got to catch up and see each other again at my grandpa’s, her uncle, celebration of life a few years ago. My husband and I then started going to Clear Creek Community church and got to run into them several times again. She always asked about what was going on and was truthfully interested! I will miss seeing her at church, passing our communion, but have comfort in knowing she is with our Lord and Savior. Sending love and prayers to the whole family.
Rhonda was a keeper! Someone you kept close, never forge, could depend on for Godly advice, full of love and concern for all of us, and always a friend. She impacted our lives with her smile, her laugh and her spirit. Our Monday prayers were always rich with Rhonda-ism and I am so thankful for God sharing this beautiful life with us. I love the woman, wife, mom and friend she was to all and I will miss her so.
Debbie Hickey
Thank you Rhonda for helping so many people! As a teenager, Rhonda regularly cooked dinner for everyone and worked so hard to make our house a home. I absolutely loved to listen to her beautiful piano playing! Rhonda was very talented in so many ways.
On July 6th, I will be reading the Bible and praying all day.
Prayers and best wishes for George and everyone.
Toot Bright
Beautiful lady inside and out. Her genuine love for life and family made her the wonderful women she was. I will miss her 💕