Jean Lorraine (Holmes) Roach

Jean Lorraine Holmes Roach of Federalsburg, MD was born on August 21, 1928 to the late Harvey Melvin Holmes and the late Mable Marie Acree Holmes in Ridgely, MD. She transitioned to her eternal home on Monday, March 11, 2024 at the Denton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Denton, MD. She was 95 years old.

Jean received her early education in the public schools in Ridgely, MD and her secondary education at Lockerman High School in Denton, MD. Having a strong desire further her education, she enrolled at Berean Business College in Philadelphia, PA and graduated with an AA degree.

On October 9, 1949, Jean was united in marriage to the love of her life, Arthur P. Roach. On their wedding day, they were honored with special guest, Thelma Waters who flew in from Paris, France to sing at the ceremony. They later became the proud parents of their adopted son, Milan Philetus Roach, until he passed at the age of four.

Jean had a great life and traveled with her husband all across the United States. They enjoyed visiting various places like; St. Thomas, San Juan, Barbados, Martinique, Nassau, Curacao, St. Martin and Mexico. They also lived in California for a period of time before returning back to Federalsburg, MD.

Jean was proud of her business education and was successful in pursuing a career in clerical work. She was a secretary at Cambridge Scientific Industries and a private secretary for a Mobile Unit – a branch of the unemployment Security Administration, she served as receptionist at the Dorchester County Board of Education, and at the St. Michael’s Bank where she retired. She also prided herself as a small business owner of Mary Kay cosmetics.

Jean was viewed by many as the Diane Carroll of her day. Her class, elegance and poise afforded her influence and favor in many social arenas. She enjoyed sewing, modeling, traveling, interior decorating, sales, teaching skin care and making women glamorous. She also loved to teach young women how to be a lady.

Jean organized two groups, namely the Ebony Bells, an adolescent and young adults along with a group of younger children known as Little Miss Belles. She took into consideration young males and organized a group known as Ebony Brothers who parallel the Belles. 

Jean was an member of Zion United Methodist Church for many years. She served on the Administrative Church Board, the United Church Women’s Board and was the assistant secretary for the same organization. She was a 4-H Club leader in Caroline County and served on the Home Makers Club.

Jean was a recipient of an award from the Department of the United States Treasury as chairman of the School Savings Thrift Program for the Dorchester County Board of Education. In 1974, she received an award from the Caroline County Bicentennial, Inc. for her leadership, her genuine interest and her dedication to preparatory work for the observance of the Bicentennial of our country.

In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death in her husband, Arthur “Nookie” Roach, son, Milan Roach, brothers, Paul Holmes, Marion Holmes, Melvin Holmes and Albert Holmes and many other family members.

Jean leaves to cherish her memory her devoted nephews; Paul Holmes (Barbara), Tyrone Holmes (Jackie), Elton Holmes (Karen), Ronnie Holmes (Beverly), Brian Holmes, Turelle Holmes, Carnez Collins, Sr., nieces; Sheila Evans (Vincent), Ruchelle “Shelly” Holmes-Nichols, Polly Leggs (Leon), Vanessa Holmes, Leatrice Holmes, Lenita Rich, Christonia Holmes, and Shenyene Wilson, her “play daughters” as she called them, Passion Bolden Tilghman (Calvin, Sr.) and Chickeshia Bolden, bonus grandchildren, Calvin Tilghman Jr. “CJ”, and Dani Thompson, special cousins, Wysetta Warner, Sharon Murray, Mildred Browne, Margaret Bush, Archie Thomas Jr., and Lewis Thomas, in-laws, Charlotte Holmes, Roland “Plutie” Roach (Doris) and Anna Roach Mc’Neal, special friends/bonus family, Yvette Bolden, Darnell and Shirl Thompson, Nakita and Ida Lake, Buck Duncan, and many more too numerous to name, along with a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, god-children, cousins and great friends.

Services will be live streamed by RDM Streaming Services at   https://www.facebook.com/RDMstreaming?mibextid=uzlsIk

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