Isabell Holmes Obituary (1925 - 2023)

Isabell Holmes, affectionately known as "Nana" was born on April 9, 1925, in Ridgeland, SouthCarolina to William "Bub" Rivers (d), a driller of wells and a farmer, and Daisy Frazier (d) ahousewife and part-time restaurant cook. Both of whom were born in Ridgeland.Isabell was the eldest of eight children, five boys, and three girls, and was educated in the JasperCounty Public School system where all of her classes were set up in a one-roomschoolhouse. Isabell was part of the historic "Great Migration" as millions of Black southernersmoved to the north. She resided in Newark, New Jersey, and in 1949 she relocated to WhitePlains, NY where she joined Calvary Baptist Church on Brookfield Street in 1954. At Calvary,she accepted Christ and was baptized and became a charter member of the Gospel Chorus; servedas Kitchen Chairperson; and a member of the Pastor's Aid Ministry.Isabell continued her work as a domestic engineer for many years. First with a family in Scarsdalewith whom she spent over 27 years and then with a family in Chappaqua. These children areJames (Jim) Rutherford of Fuquay, NY, Judy Sewell of Lewiston, NY, Anne Lower of Richmond,VA, Sue Maier of Alpharetta, GA, and Rod Zilenzigr. She loved and cared for the children ofthese families like her own.Nana was a praying woman and always said "God will take care of it all." She gave herunconditional love to all. If you came to her house she would feed you and make you feel like oneof the family from the time you walked in the door. Always willing to help because she believedthat you never know when you will need a helping hand. Her hand was always open to give andshe gave her all. She called all her grands "pumpkin" and gave them her time. She was sharp withher tongue and would have you laughing at her remarks. Nana was sophisticated with her style,especially when going to church. She made sure that everything was in order before she left thehouse from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet.On Saturday, January 28, 2023, Nana was called from her earthly home and made her way to bewith her Heavenly Father in eternity. Isabell is survived by her three children, Delores (James) ofthe Bronx, NY; Hattie of Coolidge, AZ; and son, Larry (Linda) of Ridgeland, SC: brother Wilson"Fuzzy" Rivers; seven grandchildren, Monique, Christopher, Crystal, Melissa, Elijah, Larry, andJustin, 18 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren, as well as a host of loving nieces,nephews and other relatives and friends. She also leaves her two amazing caregivers RugiatuThullah and Cardia Campbell. She was preceded in death by her brothers; Robert, Arthur,George, and William "Chico" Rivers, and sisters, Flossie Bailey and Winfred Rivers.As the matriarch of her family, Isabell's love for her family was insurmountable. She was a friendto all and was always willing to do whatever she could to help anyone. The motto that she livedher life by comes from the lyrics of one of Mahalia Jackson's songs, "If I can help somebody, as Ipass along, then my living will not be in vain." She knew that without the love of God, she coulddo nothing. She was thankful every day for God's grace and mercy.