Lillie Ann Pearson Holmes, 67, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Lillie was born on September 13, 1959, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to the late Willie and Lucy Pearson. She was educated in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System, attending Carver High School before graduating from East Forsyth High School in 1978. During her high school years, she was also a member of the first cosmetology class at the Career Center, where she began developing the skills that would become her lifelong passion. She went on to earn her cosmetology license and embarked on a remarkable career that spanned 50 years.

For Lillie, cosmetology was more than a profession; it was an opportunity to serve, encourage, and connect with others. Over five decades, she cared for generations of loyal clients, many of whom became extended family. Her salon chair was a place for laughter, wisdom, encouragement, and life lessons. She also gave young people their first opportunities to work, teaching them the value of responsibility, work ethic, money management, and treating others with care and respect.

Lillie’s talents extended well beyond the salon. Known for her creativity, attention to detail, and ability to bring people together, she served as a wedding coordinator for many couples and families throughout the years. Whether styling hair, coordinating a special occasion, decorating a space, or simply offering a helping hand, Lillie had a gift for making people feel cared for and making life’s special moments even more memorable.

On June 28, 1986, Lillie married the love of her life, William Holmes, whom she affectionately referred to as her “rock, her strength, and her baby.” Together, they built a life centered on love, faith, and family, celebrating 40 years of marriage in June 2026.

Lillie was the devoted mother of her two daughters, Keshia and DeVonda Holmes. She never missed an opportunity to tell her girls how proud she was of them, and her love and devotion to her family were evident in everything she did.

A woman of deep faith, Lillie was a faithful member of Carver Road Church of Christ, where she sang with the Choral Ensemble and served on several committees, including the Sunshine Committee, Ladies Day Committee, and Decorating Committee. Her service reflected the generosity, creativity, and caring spirit that defined her life.

Lillie leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of 40 years, William Holmes; her daughters, Keshia Holmes and DeVonda Holmes; her siblings, Rakib “John” (Fatima) Razzak, Munirah “Ruby” Razzak, Asim “Willie” Razzak, Basir “Lorenzo” (JoAnn) Razzak, Julius Pearson, Maisah “Doretha” (Wali) Rainer, and Mary (Kenneth) Greene; Father-in law, Issac (Letha) Holmes and Mother-In-law Mary Holmes; her brother-in-law, Napoleon (Lori) Holmes; and her sisters-in-law, Nathifa Razzak, Priscilla Razzak, and Andrea Holmes.

She also leaves her nephew, Sahniel Holmes, whom she loved and embraced as a son; her niece, Jillian Jackson, whom she lovingly considered her “middle child”; and her bonus daughter, Christina Barksdale. She will be deeply missed by her devoted friends, Sylvester and Nonnie Jackson, Cheryl Rice-Henderson, Sherrie Bryant, Kim Cloud and Darryl Williams along with a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, loyal clients, church family, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her love, kindness, and presence.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Lucy Pearson; her brothers, Hashim “Jimmy” Razzak, Akil “Marvin” Razzak, and David Pearson; and her sisters-in-law, Lateefah Razzak and Cynthia Pearson.

Lillie’s legacy lives on not only in the family she cherished, but also in the countless people she encouraged, mentored, served, and loved throughout her life. Her greatest gift was not simply what she could create with her hands, but what she poured into the lives and hearts of others.

A funeral service celebrating Lillie’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Carver Road Church of Christ. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m.