Precious gems are rare indeed and so was our jewel of a wife, mom, sister, grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law, and cousin, Rutha Lee McCall Holmes.

The daughter of Savannah Harris and Clifford McCall, she was born on Saturday, April 12,1941 in Elkton, Florida. Rutha was the eldest of her siblings. At an early age, the family relocated to St. Augustine and she was raised by her mother, Savannah Harris and her stepfather, Johnnie Harris. She was educated in the St. Johns County School system and was determined to earn her graduation diploma. Rutha Lee and her husband, Johnnie Holmes persevered and graduated from night school simultaneously rising above all of the challenges of maintaining their family.

Rutha's professional career commenced in nursing. She worked as a certified nursing assistant until she retired. Her passion was caring for elderly people.

Rutha's spiritual walk began at an early age and developed into a lifelong commitment as a God-fearing woman. She was an active and devoted member of the New St. James Missionary Baptist Church where she faithfully served as an usher and a deaconess under several pastors (Pastor Nathaniel Jackson is presently Pastor Emeritus).

On Sunday, June 6, 2021, the angels descended from heaven and escorted her home to be with God. In addition to her parents and her husband Deacon Johnnie Holmes, her brothers Jesse (Nancy) Harris, Walter Harris, Aubrey McCall and sisters Elouise McCall, Hope McCall, and Comina McCall–Jarrett; brothers-in-law, Samuel Pierce, Reggie Ryland preceded her in eternal rest.

Rutha leaves to cherish her memories and mourn her loss: Daughters:  Lori Maxwell (Harry), St. Augustine; Sonya  Fernandez (William), Hollywood; Son: Johnnie Holmes Jr. (Haley), Grovetown, GA; Siblings: Shirley Pierce, Charleston, SC; Geraldine "Gerri" Robinson (Herman), Palatka; John Harris (Kathy), Palatka; Joann Harris, Hampton, VA;  Robert Harris (Audrey), Colorado Springs, CO; Clifford McCall (Christine), Rocky Mountain, NC; Linda Miller, Stone Mountain, GA; Violet Ryland, Carla Ryland, Vernice McCall, Sherema McCall, all of Miami;  Grandchildren: Nneka Aguila (Omar), Orlando; Brandon Maxwell, Ocala; Briana Maxwell, Melbourne; Savannah Holmes, Sydney Holmes, both of Grovetown, GA; Great Grandchildren: Nicholas Aguila, Marilyn Aguila, both of Orlando; Amari Gilbert, Cocoa; Brothers-in-law: Wesley James (Glennie), St. Augustine; Anthony Hatten, Crescent City; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.