Norma Keisling Holmes

Mrs. Norma Keisling Holmes of Knoxville, TN, died on September 6, 2018 at age 87. She was born on April 26, 1931 in Pittsburgh, PA, and grew up in St. Petersburg, FL. She attended Rhodes College, class of '52, in Memphis, TN, for 2 years and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. In 1952, she graduated with honors from the University of Florida and then taught elementary school in St. Petersburg, FL. In 1953, Norma married Albert G. Holmes and the two moved to Knoxville, TN, where she has lived ever since. She received her Masters of Science in Education degree from the University of Tennessee in 1976. She has been a member of First Presbyterian Church for 55 years. With her husband, Al, being a private pilot and Norma his co-pilot, the two flew all over the U.S., Canada, and the Bahamas. They later enjoyed traveling internationally. Norma is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Albert G. Holmes, her parents, Mr. & Mrs. George Keisling of St. Petersburg, FL, and her sister, Mary Emma Piper (husband Phil) of Memphis, TN. She is survived by her children, son, Albert K. Holmes (Karen) of Knoxville (children Matthew, Elizabeth, Jacob, Aaron), son, Tommy Holmes (Jan) of Knoxville (children David, Will), and daughter, Missy Duke (Brooks) of White Bluff (children Rebekah, Katie, Daniel). She has 7 great-grandchildren and one on the way. Norma’s interests included travel, nature, and conservation. She served local clubs in many capacities, including charter member and past president of Deane Hill Garden Club, honorary Lifetime Member of the Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church, Secretary/Treasurer of the Knoxville chapter of the National Audubon Society, Chairman of Ijams Nature Center, and Chairman of Junior Ossoli Circle. Norma was a Founding member of Rhodes Alumni chapter in Knoxville, Member of the Knoxville Opera Guild, Knoxville Symphony League, Knoxville Heritage, Knoxville Museum of Art Guild, Friends of the Smokies, the Volunteer Ministry Center, the Nature Conservancy, and Cherokee Country Club where she enjoyed playing golf and tennis. The family would like to express their appreciation to Tender Heart Homecare Services, owners and family friends, Chris and Karen Kerr, and Norma’s caretakers: Sarah, Bridgett, Shelley, Roberta, and many others. Norma also enjoyed her 11 years at Arbor Terrace Assisted Living. Her family will most miss her continual optimism, her contagious laughter, and her encouraging love. Memorial service will be held at 2pm on Sunday, September 9 at First Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service. Private family graveside. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 620 State Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 or Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920.

Tributes

Norma Keisling Holmes

April 26, 1931 - September 6, 2018