Reunion History

Reunion History since July 4, 1955

The Holmes clan has gathered to each, play games, worship and celebrate kinship through annual family reunions the 2nd weekend of July since 1955.  Because of the path our fore parents laid for us we are able to come together and enjoy our lives free and prosperous as any other race.

On September 14, 1881, just 18 years after the abolition of slavery, *Robert “PA” Holmes was born in Lee County, South Carolina to *Perry and *Catherine Holmes. He was reared in Darlington County after walking from Lee County carrying one of his siblings (the Year of the Snake).

 “Pa” grew up familiar and instilled with work ethics.  His father’s mother, *Catherine, was a housekeeper to his parent’s master at the time of the emancipation. He first worked as a hired farm hand and later became a tenant farmer performing back breaking work. 

 Perhaps it was his quiet, hardworking nature that attracted his wife *Susanna Rodger. She was born June 12, 1889 in the Stokes Bride Community of South Carolina to *Andrew and *Diana Rodgers.  “Pa” and “Susanna” were married in 1907 in Lee County (Cypress Township), South Carolina.  “Pa” was 25 or 26 when they jumped the brook and “Susanna (Sudie) his name for her, was 18.

 Coming from a large family “Sudie” had three sisters: “Oleatha, *Lizzie and *Salma.  She also had three brothers: *Robert, *Joe, and *Gremie.  “Pa” had four sisters: *Beulah, *Missy, *Mary, and *Anna along with three brothers: *Edmond, *Tom, and*Ernest.

“Pa” and “Sudie” had 12 children: *Ulysses, *Olivia, *Ruth, *Edith, *Victor, *Isaiah, Eular, *Annie Mae, *Robert Lee, and Gwendolyn. Two of the children *Ella Mae and *Bernice died very young.  *Sudie” remained a housewife, but not surprisingly, she also took in ironing to help provide for the family.

Many of us share blood with “ Pa” and “Sudie”. As we enjoy ourselves during reunions, let us also stop and reflect on how our history began and honor those who made our reunions possible.  Our Ancestors not only survived, they were able to better their lives and make it possible for future generations (you) to complete the work they began and be able to side step the hardships they endured.

Since July 4, 1955, the Holmes family has come together the 2nd weekend in July to continue the celebration of life and success started by “Robert” and “Susanna”.  It is the family’s intent to reunite on common ground every year.  The family is asked to never surrender to the negative forces of evil. Please encourage each other to participate and look forward to seeing everyone in July.  2005 marked the 50th year anniversary of the Holmes Family Reunions.