Elna Mae Mangum Holmes, 95, of Creedmoor, NC, passed away on August 19, 2023. She had battled ill health for several years, however, lost her fight with Covid-19.
Elna was born to Lonnie Wyatt Mangum, Sr. and Lona Sanford Mangum on December 8, 1927 in Granville County, North Carolina. She grew up on a working farm in Creedmoor. After graduating from Creedmoor High School, she earned her BA from East Carolina Teachers College, now East Carolina University, and a Master's degree at UNC-Chapel Hill. Elna taught English at South Granville County High School until she changed careers around 1970. She was an accountant for the NC Department of Revenue until her full retirement. Elna married Robert Carlton Holmes on November 20, 1960 at her home church of Pleasant Grove Baptist and remained married until Carlton died in May 2008. They made their home in Franklinton, NC, and she joined Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. Elna Mae always enjoyed a wide variety of books and periodicals. She constantly made notes and kept up correspondence. She loved socializing and working with her church family and sorority sisters (Alpha Delta Kappa). She served on the board of the NC Commission for the Blind, which supported Governor Morehead School and other services for the blind. Elna liked antiquing and traveling with her sisters, their husbands, and brother, Gilbert. Trips to Chapel Hill and alumni-associated activities were highlights on her busy calendar. Reunions with her former students were especially a pleasure. Crossword puzzles and regular Rook games were hobbies in her retirement. She was often playful and had a sharp memory, telling interesting and funny stories when she welcomed family and friends. She loved animals, especially cats and dogs. Elna Mae was selfless in her care of Carlton and her mother during their prolonged illnesses. She also cared deeply for Gilbert. He moved her back into the homeplace after Carlton died. For decades, they managed the former Mangum family farm with Lawrence Brothers Farm and Construction.
In addition to her parents, Elna was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Carlton Holmes; brother, Lonnie Mangum, Jr., and his daughter, Laura Moss, of Burlington, NC; sisters, Aline Campbell (Owen) of Richmond, VA and Creedmoor, NC; and Sarah Shore (Edgar) of Kernersville, NC. Surviving family include her brother, Gilbert Mangum; sister-in-law, Catherine Mangum; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were family to her.
The family is grateful for friends and family who gave their time and energy to care for Elna Mae: Gilbert Mangum, Nancy Sawtelle, the Leonard and Carolyn Parker family, the late Doretha Crews, Eyvone Morgan, and Alexis Crudup. The family is also grateful to other people unnamed here who stepped up to help. Some of them are or were staff of Murdoch Center, Universal Healthcare, Gentiva, Amedisys, and Transitions Hospice and Palliative Care.
A private memorial and interment will be held at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Franklinton, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home of Creedmoor. Online condolences may be made at sossamonfuneralhome.com.