Ethel Lee Richardson Holmes was born in Charleston, South Carolina on December 9, 1924. She was the fifth child of Cornelius and Margaret Ann Richardson. Her father so fondly called her "Queen" since she was his first born daughter. She commenced her early education at Cutbridge Elementary on James Island and later graduated from Avery High School in Charleston, South Carolina. She attended Hampton Institute (Hampton University) where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1947. Ethel also graduated from New York University (NYU) and received a Master's Degree in Elementary Education in 1949. While teaching in Columbia, South Carolina, she met a soldier stationed at Fort Jackson. His name was Elbert H. Holmes. They were married on June 11, 1955, and moved to Greensboro, North Carolina in 1959. To this union a son was born, Gerald V. Holmes. Ethel loved her family in a heartfelt way, especially her son, Gerald. She taught second grade at Bluford Elementary School, then at Claxton Elementary School where she remained until her retirement in 1981. Ethel and Elbert celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 11, 2005. Later that year in September, Elbert was laid to rest in eternity with the Lord. In 1947, she was among the first initiates of the Charter Chapter Gamma Theta of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated at Hampton Institute (University). Her commitment to preserving her family's heritage combined with a strong sense of civic engagement resulted in her extensive work with the Hampton University Alumni Club in Greensboro, Beta Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in Greensboro and the Sigma Shadows. Ethel's favorite hobbies were embroidery and ceramics. Faith and heritage were strong recurrent themes throughout Ethel's life. She joined Saint James Presbyterian Church James Island, Charleston, SC at an early age. Upon settling in Greensboro, North Carolina, she joined Saint James Presbyterian Church where served on the Deacon Board, and for many years as a member of the Chancel Choir and the Estelle Miller Circle. Ethel leaves to cherish her memory, a devoted and loving family: son, Gerald V. Holmes (Sharon) of Greensboro, North Carolina; grandchildren, Veronica Holmes of Washington, DC and Aaron Holmes of Raleigh, NC; brother, Cornelius Richardson, Jr. of James Island, South Carolina; sister, Ophelia Harrison of Manassas, Virginia; two sisters-in-law, Marie Richardson of Washington, DC and Viola Richardson of James Island, South Carolina; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.