Barbara Jean Avant Holmes

Ms. Barbara Jean Avant Holmes, age 89, of Sandersville passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Washington County Extended Care Facility following an extended illness. She will be deeply missed by those who knew her and remembered for her devotion and love for her family.  A graveside memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, April 26th at 11:00 a.m. in Washington County Memorial Gardens, with Reverend Andy Yates officiating.  Her family will receive friends and family at graveside.

Daughter of the late Roy M. Avant, Sr. and the late Minnie Belle Chambers Avant, Barbara Jean was born and raised in Deepstep, surrounded by her brother Roy, Jr., grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  While in Deepstep, she swam in the cold waters of Brooks Springs, picked scuppernongs, and attended school. After her parents moved to Sandersville, she made life-long friends and graduated from Sandersville High School as a member of the class of 1953.

After graduating from GSCW in Milledgeville, Barbara Jean married her long-time sweetheart, Dr. Dean Holmes, and taught high school business classes while living in Atlanta. After brief stints living in Augusta and Spartanburg S.C., during Dean’s medical training, they returned home to Sandersville, and Barbara Jean began her life as a homemaker  and mother to her three children. An avid bridge player and a garden club member, she also enjoyed being in the Sandersville Music Club and participating in community productions; however, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her the greatest joy in her life.

Barbara Jean is survived by her children, Dr. Keith Dean Holmes and his wife Tricia of Macon, Andrea H. Werkin and her husband Tim of Sandersville and Shannon H. Anderson and her husband Bruce of Waupaca, WI; grandchildren, Dr. David Keith Holmes and his wife Abbie and Dr. Thomas William Holmes and his wife Hannah all of Macon, Jessica R. Lord and her husband Caleb of Sandersville, Dr. Jacob Werkin and his wife Katie of Madison, Erik Anderson and his wife Dr. Darnelle Ramirez-Anderson of St. Augustine, FL., and Travis Anderson and his wife Dr. Anna Hangge-Anderson of St. Paul, MN; great grandchildren, Charlie Holmes, Maggie Holmes, Emily Holmes, Elizabeth Holmes, Kaylee Lord, Taylor Lord, Harvey Werkin, Jack Werkin, Elliot Werkin, Chet Werkin and Ansel Anderson; and her brother, Roy M. Avant Jr.,  and his wife Gloria of Sandersville.

Donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Sandersville's Bread of Life Ministry or Miriam's Ministry at 316 Mathis Circle, Sandersville, GA. 31082.

Please leave an online condolence at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors are in charge of these arrangements.