Carleen Deloris Watts Holmes was born on December 30th, 1929 to George Watts Sr. and Margaret Brown in Portsmouth, VA. She peacefully departed this life on August 21st, 2024 at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey. She was a resident of South Orange, New Jersey for many years. She is the widow of Dr. Louyco W. Holmes, they were happily married for years.

Carleen attended Virginia State College for her undergraduate studies, and then went on to obtain a master’s in literature from New York University. She was a devoted Special Education Teacher for the South Orange/Maplewood School District.

Carleen was a Member of Elmwood Presbyterian Church in East Orange, New Jersey for over 50 years, where she was a faithful Elder and scholarship committee member. She deeply enjoyed spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling on cruises, and most notably, knew how to cut a rug on the dance floor. Carleen was known for her special “rubber leg” dance. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and The Links, Incorporated North Jersey Chapter, Carleen was a steadfast advocate for her community throughout her time in Virginia and New Jersey.

She is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Louyco Holmes, her son George Bell,Jr., and daughter Barbara Gordon.

 Carleen leaves to cherish her memory her beloved grandchildren, Samantha Gordon, Nicole Gordon, Shawntel Bell, Jermaine Bell, George Bell III, Jake Bell, and Jody Bell, many nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends. She will be missed dearly.

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family