Mother Willieva Kates Holmes, 84, a longtime resident of Port Salerno, FL and member of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Stuart, FL, made her transition from earth to glory, surrounded by the love and care of her devoted family, in Port St. Lucie, FL. She was born in Dawson, GA to the parents of the late Walter Kates and the late Erie Smith-Kates. Willieva attended the public schools of Terrell County,GA and Martin County, FL. Willieva has been a resident of Martin County for over 70 years moving from Georgia. Before retirement she worked at a private home as a cook. This "Phenominal Woman of Distinction", was very active. In her church, some of her activities include: a Sunday School teacher; church trustee; formulator of the Pastor's Aid Ministry; established the "Susie" Holloway Christian Academic Center, prepared and served food at the Martin County Fair to benefit the church; a Deaconess and former Deaconess Chairperson; member of Choir #2, and was "Mother of the Church". In the community she was a volunteer for several organizations including but not limited to: the PTA; Pink Lady for Martin Memorial Health Systems; and Jesus House of Hope. Willieva received awards too numerous to mention which include: the Dwight Allison Fellows-Community Service Award; Outstanding Volunteer-Martin Parks and Recreation Dept. (R.E.A.C.H); Featured Civic Leader-Treasure Coast Black Heritage-A Pictorial History: Valiant Woman Award; Jefferson Award (Community Service-Channel 12 TV); Martin County Black Image Award; OPAL Award (Older People with Active Life Styles)-Palm Beach Post; Legend's Award-Zawaeco, Inc., The Daughter's of the American Revolution (in recognition of community service). Along with her parents Walter and Erie Kates, she was also preceded in death by her husband, John R. Holmes. Surviving to reflect on precious memories are: a loving son, Reverend Reginald C. Holmes (Tracey) of Denver, CO; 2 devoted daughters, Sandra E. Pinkney (Daniel) of Port St. Lucie, FL and Theresa A. Jackson of Lake Worth, FL; 2 caring stepdaughters, Linda Smith of Stuart, FL and Cynthia Jackson-Weston (William) of West Palm Beach, FL; 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; and a host of other relatives and loving church family members, neighbors and friends. Services: Visitation will be held on Friday, February 26, 2010 from 4pm-7pm at Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Stuart, FL. A home going celebration will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 11:00am, Grace Place in Stuart, FL, 1550 SE Salerno Rd. (772) 287-1779. Burial will follow at New Monrovia Cemetery in Port Salerno, FL. Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of Thorne's Mortuary in Stuart. Please sign the guest book.