NORMA JEAN FITZGERALD HOLMES

December 24, 1930 – March 1, 2019

Norma Jean Fitzgerald Holmes was born to the late Thomas Franklin Fitzgerald and Mary Emma Coleman Fitzgerald on December 24, 1930 in Chester, Pennsylvania. "Jean," as she was affectionately called by family and friends, was called home to be with the Lord on March 1, 2019.

Jean was raised in the Baptist Church and educated in Pittsylvania County Schools.  She graduated from Northside High School in Virginia in 1949.  She spent summers in Chester and she fell in love with the City once she moved here permanently, but never forgot home.  Jean's family church was Calvary Baptist Church, of which she was a longtime member.

Jean previously worked for OK/Seaford's Cleaners and Spencer Stationary Store.  She worked for the City of Chester in the Public Safety Department before retiring after almost 20 years.  She then worked for the Chester Upland School District as a lunch aide.  She also held the position of Republican Committee woman in Ward 7 for several years.  In addition to all these great feats, she also served as a member of the Chester Water Authority Board for several years.

Jean married Leo S. Holmes on February 7, 1981.  Leo was the first Afro-American councilman in the City of Chester, and the love of her life.

Jean was the Matriarch of her family, whom she loved fiercely.  She grew up on a 200-acre farm that was owned by her parents and grandparents in Virginia.  She was proud of the fact that her parents were landowners.  She was an avid gardener and "Do-It-Yourself-er" before crafts and DIY became a popular movement. She was known city-wide for her beautiful yard/garden as well as her tomatoes, which she gladly "passed over the fence" every season.  Jean loved dining at Red Lobster, ESPECIALLY those Cheddar Bay Biscuits.  It didn't matter if she went for a birthday celebration, special occasion or a casual lunch—she loved her some Red Lobster.

Jean was predeceased by her parents, husband, brothers James Terry, Mark Jones and also her cousin "Jim" Fitzgerald, who was raised as a brother.  Sisters Gladys F. Murray, Mary E. Truell and also Aunt Ella F. Fitzgerald who helped raise the siblings.   Aunt Sallie Coleman Hill and Nephew Kenneth Logan.

Jean is survived by special nieces Robin and Marilyn Truell.  Nephews Robert Truell and Jason Terry and Great Niece Zen Skye Truell.  Very devoted cousins – Harold Fitzgerald and Thelma Fletcher.  Very good friends, Gilbert Bannister, Charlene Burems, Linda Slydell and Robert and Ro Naef, Step-daughter Artelia Alexander, God son Kevin Fitzgerald; and a host of other family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Graveside Service on Thursday, March 7th at 2:30 PM at Chester Rural Cemetery, 412 W. 15th St., Chester, PA 19013.