Lotherene Reynolds Holmes, age 85 of Malvern, died Wednesday evening, August 9, 2023, at Arbor Oaks Healthcare and Rehab.  She was born in Manilla, Arkansas on April 19, 1938, to the late Jess W. Reynolds and Opal Duvall Reynolds.  Reared and receiving her early education in Malvern, she graduated from Malvern High School in the class of 1956.  She later attended Draughon's Business School, graduating in 1958.  Lothy was the widow of the late Hollis Holmes, to whom she was married on June 17, 1961.  He preceded her in death on January 28, 2012.  She was a member of the Church of Faith.  Having gone through many physical hardships, Lothy was not a complainer. She channeled her misfortunes into positive outcomes: she was an expert seamstress and made beautiful baby gowns for the local hospitals; she became adept at crafts, learning to paint, which eased her through a diagnosis of breast cancer.  A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, she became the matriarch of her family, the rock upon which all were able to lean.

She is survived by her children, Joel Duane Holmes (Amy) of Malvern; her daughter, Cynthia De Ann Szarmach (Ed) of Alexander; her last surviving sibling, William Reynolds (Vicki) of Hot Springs; seven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

Lothy was also preceded in death by her brother, James W. Reynolds, and her sisters, Lodean Goff, Wanda Byrd, Donna Cotham, and Gerline Reynolds.

Her funeral will be held on Monday, August 14, 2023, at two o'clock, in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Scott Efird officiating.  A visitation will precede the service, beginning at one o'clock.  Interment will follow in Harp Cemetery.

Memorials are requested to the Church of Faith or to Arkansas Hospice.