Helen C. Holmes
May 30th, 1935 - May 27th, 2025
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Helen's Obituary
Helen Clementine Holmes, 89, of South Haven, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Born on May 30, 1935, in Columbia, Louisiana, to Nello Bouie, Helen lived a vibrant and fulfilling life marked by love, dedication, and community.
In her early years, Helen, alongside her beloved husband, S.B. Holmes, owned and operated restaurants in South Bend, Indiana, and Chicago, Illinois, where her warmth and entrepreneurial spirit shone. In 1974, she settled in South Haven, Michigan, embracing a new chapter filled with passions for fishing, hunting, canning, and crafting. Helen's nurturing nature found its calling when she opened Helen's Haven AFC, which she lovingly operated for over 30 years, touching countless lives with her care and compassion.
Helen leaves behind a cherished legacy, survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Giger and Rene (David) Lewis; grandchildren, Tara (Antywyne) Anderson, Chrystal (Jason) Johnson, Jason Giger, Philip Giger, Damien (Hayley) Ross and Andrea (Taron) Petteway; 17 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends; and close friends Marcella Bell-Pitchford and Bob Burrows.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Nello Bouie, brothers Vince Bouie and Johnny Calloway, and her husband, S.B. Holmes.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Filbrandt Chapel Funeral Home, 1076 S. Bailey Ave, South Haven, Michigan 49090. Helen will be laid to rest at Chambers Cemetery alongside her late husband, S.B. Holmes, at a later date.
Helen's legacy of love, resilience, and creativity will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 269-637-0333.
In her early years, Helen, alongside her beloved husband, S.B. Holmes, owned and operated restaurants in South Bend, Indiana, and Chicago, Illinois, where her warmth and entrepreneurial spirit shone. In 1974, she settled in South Haven, Michigan, embracing a new chapter filled with passions for fishing, hunting, canning, and crafting. Helen's nurturing nature found its calling when she opened Helen's Haven AFC, which she lovingly operated for over 30 years, touching countless lives with her care and compassion.
Helen leaves behind a cherished legacy, survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Giger and Rene (David) Lewis; grandchildren, Tara (Antywyne) Anderson, Chrystal (Jason) Johnson, Jason Giger, Philip Giger, Damien (Hayley) Ross and Andrea (Taron) Petteway; 17 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends; and close friends Marcella Bell-Pitchford and Bob Burrows.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Nello Bouie, brothers Vince Bouie and Johnny Calloway, and her husband, S.B. Holmes.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Filbrandt Chapel Funeral Home, 1076 S. Bailey Ave, South Haven, Michigan 49090. Helen will be laid to rest at Chambers Cemetery alongside her late husband, S.B. Holmes, at a later date.
Helen's legacy of love, resilience, and creativity will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 269-637-0333.
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