It seems appropriate to reflect during Black History Month on the February 1, 2026 passing of Marvin “Sherlock” Holmes, Sr. The venerable native son left behind a great legacy as a driver of significant positive changes to life in Surry County and beyond during his 86 years on earth.
The first child of the late Isaac Holmes, Sr. and Fannie Parham Holmes Coleman up at Rose of Sharon Apostolic Church, where he served faithfully in many roles including sharing his gift as a talented saxophonist, eventually was ordained as a minister.
Mr. Holmes began his early education in a one-room schoolhouse before graduating from the former L. P. Jackson School in Dendron as Class President and Valedictorian of the Class of 1957, and completed his higher education at Norfolk State College and Virginia State College…