Carolyn Jean DeVoy Holmes, age 82, passed away peacefully at home in Mt. Pleasant from complications from Parkinsonism, surrounded by family on October 9, 2026.

The daughter of Francis Stanley DeVoy and Helen Shirley Keeler DeVoy, Carolyn was born in Rochester, NY, on June 1, 1944. She is preceded in death by a sister, Susan Gail DeVoy Efaw. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Thomas Leroy Holmes of Mt. Pleasant, SC; daughter, Wendy Holmes Nugent (Jeff) of Hamilton, NY, Amy Holmes Mendez (Tomas) of San Francisco, CA, and Andrew DeVoy Holmes (Sari) of Alexandria, VA. Grandchildren are Alex Tomas Mendez, Lowell James Nugent, Claudia Frances Mendez, and Asher Burton Holmes.

Carolyn graduated from Irondequoit High School in Rochester, then Russell Sage College in Troy, NY, in 1966. She worked as a pediatric nurse in Rochester and Boston before becoming a full-time mother and homemaker. Carolyn and Tom lived in Charlotte, NC, for 47 years and were active in the community of Myers Park Baptist Church (now Myers Park Covenant Church) before moving to Mt. Pleasant, SC, where they were welcomed by Providence Church on Daniel Island and sang in the choir there.

Carolyn was a baby whisperer and children’s music educator. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, swimming, walking, family, and travel. She once described herself as “a happy person who likes the structure of everyday activities, who loves babies and children, and who is content to be alone and quiet. [I have] a happy smile, a dimple, and a good laugh.”

Carolyn valued traditions and took great joy in passing them on to her family. Holiday celebrations, education, music, faith, family, and a healthy lifestyle were all important parts of the life she created for herself, her children, and grandchildren. When her own children were grown, she cared for the infants and toddlers of lucky neighbors and friends. She adored her grandchildren and, along with Tom, was a devoted grandparent. She delighted in hosting Grandparent Camp and traveling to be with her grandchildren for birthdays and special occasions. Carolyn sewed and knitted clothes for her children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends. She taught Kindermusik and was an active member of the Chancel Choir and children’s choir staff at MPBC for many years. The folks of this church community were among Carolyn’s best and closest friends.

Some of Carolyn’s favorite places on earth were the quiet of the lap pool, the fun of beach time with children at the Outer Banks, and the cool and peaceful mountains of Newland and Black Mountain, NC. In heaven, Carolyn is surely enjoying the company of departed friends, family, a host of angels singing John Rutter sacred choral music, and a pile of soft and fluffy beloved golden retrievers.

A memorial service will be held at Providence Church on Daniel Island, SC, on Saturday, October 17, time to be confirmed. A celebration of life and interment of ashes will take place at a future date at Myers Park Covenant Church in Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for research of Parkinson’s and related diseases.