THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 16, 1996 TAG: 9605160370
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Medium: 51 lines
Alonzo Alvin-Eugene ``Zo'' Holmes, 18, of the 3900 block of Holly Cove Drive, beloved son of Helen and Marvin Matthews and Robert and Mary Holmes, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on May 13, 1996, in Maryview Medical Center.
He was born on Oct. 28, 1977, in Newport News and attended Central Christian Academy before graduating from Western Branch High School in 1995. With much vigor, he challenged the traditional philosophies regarding the advancement of African-Americans and racial reconciliation. A gifted writer and orator, he excelled in forensics and drama, receiving awards and trophies. At the time of his homegoing he was a student at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. Over the years, Alonzo became an accomplished athlete. He competed in local tennis tournaments and was a member of the tennis team at Western Branch High School, Lincoln University, and USTA. He was an avid basketball and football fan, playing intramural basketball and Little League football. The cornerstone of all of Alonzo's achievements was his relationship with Jesus Christ. At 6 years of age, he received the free gift of eternal life by believing that Jesus is Lord and accepting His death as payment for his sins. He was a member of Faith Community Church in Norfolk and was a member of the church's youth group. He wrote and directed plays for the church's youth which honored African-American heroes.
He is survived by four sisters, Rachel and Victoria Matthews of Chesapeake, Bianca Holmes and Roleca Sedgewick of Newport News; three brothers, Sirlord Holmes, Antonio Holmes, and Winston Sedgewick, all of Newport News; paternal grandmother, Mildred Moss of Newport News; paternal grandfather, Jerry Cody of New York; and a host of relatives and friends.
A funeral will be conducted at noon Saturday by Pastor Olah Moore in Western Branch Community Center, 4437 Portsmouth Blvd., Chesapeake. Burial is in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Viewing will begin today from 3 to 6 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The body will be taken to the community center at 11 a.m. Saturday. The immediate family and friends will assemble at the family's house at 11:15 a.m. for the procession to the Western Branch Community Center. Donations may be made to the history department or the tennis team at Lincoln University through the Matthew Family. Serenity Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. ILLUSTRATION: Personal Photo
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY
by CNB