Obituary of Kassandra Jean Holmes

Miss Kassandra Holmes, born September 19, 1949, entered into rest with her Lord on October 23, 2016 with her family by her side. Kassandra was the daughter of Jesse and Alberta Byrd. She received her education at Mumford High School, Detroit, MI. and furthered her higher education at the Utica School of Commerce. She received her Teacher's Certificate when she attended Bethel Bible Institute in Whitesboro, NY. Kassandra worked at Eden Park Nursing Home for many years until her injury. Known to family and friends as “Sandy”, she taught various classes at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Sandy joined the church in the late 1970's when she relocated to Utica, NY. A long-time and faithful worker of the Usher Board, a member of the Pastor's Aide, a member of the Senior Choir and an Ordained Missionary, her greatest joy in the church were the children. She was a wonderful Sunday School teacher, teaching in various classes such as, the Primary, the Adults and the Intermediate Classes where she held her position until her illness no longer allowed her to continue. Kassandra volunteered at many community events: including but not limited to J.C.T.O.D., Cancer Walks and the Heart, Run and Walk events. Kassandra was well known in the Community for having a heart of Gold. However, her children and grandchildren were her greatest delight. Kassandra leaves to carry out her legacy, three children: Chandra, Abdel (Carlietta Brown) and Tajuana Ford; grandchildren as she raised as her own: Tabiris Ford (Shaquilla Christopher) and Somaria Holliman-Patterson; two sisters Suzanne Ford (Detroit, MI) and Connie Ford (Utica, NY); one brother Jesse Ford (Utica, NY); grandchildren: Kenneth and Davon Patterson, Raheem Ford, Jose' Rubino, Abdel Ford, Jr., Jasmine, Jayden and Jordan Ford, Elijah and Elasia Brown, Amir Bowman, Tameika, Darren, Fatima Price and Latesha Price. Great Grandchildren: Kanai, Naquan,Elizabeth, Deyshia, Zabe'on and Javeir Patterson; Miana, Terriyah, Ka'Liyah and Tabiris Ford, Jr. Godchildren: Kenisha Robinson, Kenya Wynder, Tynnia and Kenneth Robinson, Jr., McKenzie King, Jovan and Shakeeta Watson. Also part of her extended family, Fallon and Nayyirah Bell, Stephanie Wilson and children, and a host of relatives in and around Utica and Detroit, MI. Kassandra had numerous friends. Those dearest to her heart were Ann Brown, Patricia Sanchious, Jacqueline McNair, Jeff Yeomans and Monica Revels. Her “Special Friend” and “Lifetime Mate” Mr. Jerry Bowens. Kassandra was predeceased by her parents; grandmother Nannie King, stepfather Joseph Byrd; brother Tommy Branch; sister Genetta Ford and special Aunt, Ivee Harris.