Linda Gail Holmes, 81, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away Monday, April 15, 2024, at her residence.  She was born Monday, February 1, 1943, in Jackson, Mississippi.

Linda was married to Billy, her high school sweetheart, for 63 beautiful years.  She was smitten with Billy from the moment she set eyes on him.  As he was with her.  From the moment they met, they built a wonderful life together.  They still held hands until Billy's passing in February 2024.  She was the best mother, and friend, her three children could ever ask for.  She showed her children how to be caring, sweet, nurturing, loving and a little silly.

Linda was a beautiful loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend.  Linda's passion was taking care of her Billy and three adoring children.  Linda also loved to read books, watch her favorite TV shows (On Patrol Live, Curse of Oak Island, and Swamp People: Serpent Invasion), go shopping at Dollar Tree or Mizer's, do crossword puzzles, and have an occasional trip to the casino.  On most days, you could find Linda watching a sporting event on TV with Billy or reading a book while Billy watched the sporting event.

Linda retired from the FBI on August 31st, 2005.  She worked in the New Orleans & Jackson Divisions, and Gulfport Resident Agency upon her retirement.

Preceding Linda in death are her Parents, Henry Edward & Katie G. Welch; her husband William (Billy) E. Holmes; her son, Ronald (Ron) Holmes; her daughter-in-law, Michele Lillian Holmes; sister-in-law, Linda Carol Van Norman Welch and brother-in-law, George David Holmes.

She is survived by her son, Warren (Randy) Holmes; daughter, Robin Leigh Holmes; grandchildren, Gordon Edward Manni and Diamond Ruby Holmes; brothers, Donald Edward Welch and Ronald Harold Welch (Janet); daughter-in-law, Natalia Rebets Holmes; sister-in-law Carolyn Estelle Douglas; brother-in-law, James (Jimmy) Holmes; her "adopted daughters" Melanie Armstrong and Sheryl (Sherry) Starling and many nephews, nieces, friends.

Pallbearers will be Warren (Randy) Holmes, Don Welch, Harold Welch, Gordon Edward Manni, Drew Welch, and Joe Wiley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ben Welch, Danny Warren, and Ricky Krustchinsky.

"God gave us our memories so that we might have roses in December."   James M. Barrie

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit, MS from 9:00am until 11:00am with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Hollywood Cemetery in McComb, MS.  Dr. David Millican will officiate the services.

Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit is in charge of the arrangements.

Friends can sign an online guest register book at www.sharkeyfuneralhome.com.