Debra Holmes

Ms. Debra K. Holmes was born on September 8, 1949, in Hammond, Tennessee to the proud parents of Thomas Sr and Annie Bryson. She left for Heaven on May 8, 2025, at the age of 75. She was the eldest of seven children.

Debra was one year old when her family moved to Saginaw, MI. She graduated from Saginaw High School in 1968 and later attended Delta College, majoring in accounting. For many years, Debra worked in the Food Service Industry until she retired at the age of 55. She gave her life to Christ at the age of 21 and was filled with the Holy Spirit all in the same day. Once she gave her life to Christ, she never looked back.

Debra was a faithful, devoted member of “Holy Communion Gospel Center” for over 20 years. She developed a powerful intercessory prayer life. She served on many auxiliaries during her time at Holy Communion. She served as church Treasurer, Sunday School teacher, Usher, and was on the praise team. In 2016, Debra joined “True Believers Outreach Ministries.” She was appointed Mother of the church. She was a prayer intercessor and used this gift so profoundly. She often warred and interceded on behalf of her family, the ministry, the city of Saginaw, for believers all around the world, and she prayed for the peace of Jerusalem.

Debra delivered the Word, often preaching and teaching about the many tests and trials the Lord had brought her through. She served as Chairwoman for the “Promise Foundation” (a Scholarship program for graduating High School Seniors). She served faithfully until she went home to be with the Lord.

Debra genuinely loved the Lord with all her heart. She never wavered in her faith. She trusted God in every season of her life. She believed God would see her through every situation and circumstance. Her favorite scriptures were Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV): “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct thy paths” and Philippians 4:19 (KJV) “But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Debra loved to sing and listen to praise and worship music. She loved to play Solitaire, Phase 10 with her niece Kandra and nephew-in-law Beau, and Uno with her great-granddaughter Ka’Miyah, even though she often cheated. Her favorite movies were “Just Wright” and Steven Seagal movies. She loved to watch TV shows: Perry Mason, Hazel, Walker, Texas Ranger, Good Times, and Hot Bench.

During one of her final conversations with her daughter Sabrina Holmes she stated, “I’m resigning” In other words, I have done my work, and I am stepping down. Not too long after she went home to be with the Lord.

Debra leaves her legacy of faith to continue on in the Kingdom’s work God has predestined for you, fight the good fight of faith and press on to the finish line.

Debra leaves to continue her Legacy eight children; Angela Holmes of (Grand Rapids, Michigan), Angelina Holmes of (Saginaw, Michigan), Melvin Jr (Donna) Holmes of (Grand Rapids, Michigan), Terrance Holmes of (Memphis, Tennessee), Tenesha (Tracy) Choyce of (Essexville, Michigan), Dion Holmes of (Grand Rapids, Michigan), Sabrina, Steven and Christina Holmes all of Saginaw, Michigan, twenty eight grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; siblings; Thomas Bryson Jr, Beverly (Willie) Nevitt and Denise Bryson all of Saginaw, Michigan, many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents; Thomas Sr. and Annie Bryson, brother; James L. Bryson, sisters; Michelle Bryson and Shirley Liddell, daughter; Sharkira Holmes, son-in-love; Pastor Tracy R. Choyce, and Spiritual Father Apostle Otis O. Washington Sr.

Gifts of love may be directed to the family of Debra K. Holmes, The Promise Foundation (a scholarship program for graduating high school seniors), or True Believers Outreach Ministries (Pastor Shelia M. Washington).