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On Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend Willene Genella Dillon Holmes went home to be with the Lord.

Willene was born Dec. 10, 1955, in Bogalusa, to Mr. James H. and Mrs. Willie Lee Dillon. She graduated from Franklinton High School in 1973 at the age of 17 as the first black valedictorian. Three years later, she graduated from Southern University with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Willene worked for Lakeview Regional Medical Center as a Laboratory Scientist for 30-plus years. She loved her job and her work family.

Willene was a faithful member of the Greater Hayes Creek Missionary Baptist Church. Through the years, she served in many capacities. In most recent years, she was the church’s administrator and a Sunday School teacher. She impacted so many lives, not only at church, but within her community. She did not hesitate to lend a helping hand; this included tutoring, mentoring and feeding the elderly. She was a listening ear to many and offered sound godly advice.

Willene leaves to cherish her memory: husband, James “Sammy” Holmes; daughters, Nakeisha (Ron Sailor) Brumfield, Nikeya (Willie) Brown, and special son, Kristian Magee. The memory of Willene will also be cherished by her bonus children, Jamie (Keisha) Holmes, Jasper (Christina) Holmes, Terry (Nae) Holmes, Nicky Holmes and Stanley Holmes; brothers, Wilbert (Barbara) Dillon and Dennis (Kimberly) Dillon; sisters, Helen (Joseph) Weary, Laura (Leslie) Varnado, Shirley Webb, Maxine (Freddie) Jamison, Myrtle Dillon and Jerri Brumfield; and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, James H. Dillon; mother, Willie Lee Dillon; brothers, Frank Dillon, James Dillon and Arthur Lee Dillon; sister, Emma Love; and bonus son, Samuel Jackson.

A drive-through viewing will be on Sunday, Feb. 28, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton.

The graveside service will be on Monday, March 1, at 11 a.m. at Greater Hayes Creek Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Jerome Warren, pastor, officiating.

Crain and Sons Funeral Home of Franklinton is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook online at www.crainandsons.com.