The Holmes Family

Our Family Legacy: Honoring Robert and Susanna Holmes

As we reflect on the roots of the Holmes Family, we are reminded that our story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering love. Our fore parents, Robert “Pa” Holmes and Susanna “Sudie” Rodgers Holmes, came from humble beginnings and faced incredibly hard times—but they persevered and built a strong, united family that continues to thrive today. Robert “Pa” Holmes was born on September 14, 1881, just 18 years after the abolition of slavery. He entered the world in Lee County, South Carolina, the son of *Perry and *Catherine Holmes. As a young boy, he moved to Darlington County on foot—carrying one of his younger siblings as they made their journey toward a new life. From an early age, “Pa” embodied a deep sense of responsibility, courage, and a strong work ethic—qualities that would define his life and legacy.

Raised by a family who knew both bondage and freedom, “Pa” began his life working as a hired farm hand before becoming a tenant farmer. His hands bore the callouses of hard work, but his heart was full of determination and quiet strength. 

In 1907, “Pa” married the love of his life, Susanna Rodgers, affectionately known to him as “Sudie.” Born on June 12, 1889, in the Stokes Bridge Community, Sudie was the daughter of *Andrew and *Diana Rodgers.

When they “jumped the broom” in Lee County, South Carolina, Robert was in his mid-twenties, and Sudie was just 18 years old. Their union marked the beginning of a legacy of love, faith, and family.

Sudie came from a large family herself—with sisters Oleatha, *Lizzie, and *Salma, and brothers *Robert, *Joe, and *Gremie. “Pa” had four sisters—*Beulah, *Missy, *Mary, and *Anna—and three brothers—*Edmond, *Tom, and *Ernest. So, when Robert and Sudie began their own family, they were no strangers to the strength found in numbers and kinship. Together, they raised twelve children: *Ulysses, *Olivia, *Ruth, *Edith, *Victor, *Isaiah, Eular, *Annie Mae, *Robert Lee, and Gwendolyn. They also lovingly remembered *Ella Mae and *Bernice, who passed away at very young ages. While “Pa” toiled on the farm, “Sudie” managed the household and took in ironing to help make ends meet. Their lives were filled with sacrifice, but more importantly, with deep love and devotion to their children.

As we gather for reunions each July, it is not just about good food and fun. It is a sacred time to remember where we come from. Many of us carry the blood of “Pa” and “Sudie,” and all of us carry their spirit. Their endurance through unimaginable hardship paved the way for us to live with freedom, opportunity, and joy.

Let us never forget: our ancestors didn’t just survive—they overcame. They worked with their hands, led with their hearts, and built a legacy that calls us together every year. The love they shared, the values they lived by, and the family they raised are the reasons we continue to unite today. Even in difficult times, we can draw strength from their example. They remind us that when family sticks together, we can face anything. Just as “Pa” and “Sudie” faced their challenges arm in arm, so too can we—rooted in faith, guided by love, and united in purpose.

May we always honor their memory, celebrate our heritage, and continue the legacy of love they began.