Obituary

Alia Inello Holmes Johnson

August 27, 1950 - January 03, 2021

Mrs. Alia Inello Holmes-Johnson, affectionately called “Inello, or “Nell,” passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on January 3, 2021, at Rest Haven in Bogalusa, LA.

She was preceded in death by her late, third husband, Eddie Johnson; her parents, Ellis Holmes and Margarette Holmes; her two sisters, Mary Holmes-Hatcher, and Janis Holmes; her youngest brother Jeffrey Holmes.

Alia or Nell was a retired Bell South telephone operator and former member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church. She was a tenacious, independent woman who had an impeccable work ethic, style, sophistication, and class.  After graduating from Central Memorial High School, she attained an associate degree from Southeastern University in Hammond, LA.  She enjoyed gospel and many other genres of music.  Although she was a lifelong resident of Bogalusa, she loved to travel especially in her younger years. 

She was eldest of five children.  She is survived by her brother, James Holmes.  She was very close to her surviving nephews, Travis L. Holmes, of Munich, Germany; Darrin A. Holmes and his wife, Michelle, of Hammond, LA; and John Downey, Jr., of Bogalusa.  She is survived by a great niece, La’Kenya Porter of Baton Rouge, and two great nephews, Darrin Holmes of Baton Rouge, and John Downey, III of Bogalusa, LA; special first cousins, Earl Bridges and his wife, JoAnn of Bogalusa, LA, Michael Bridges and his wife, Tammy of Baton Rouge, LA; an aunt, Beulah Mae Cowart and uncles from Tylertown, MS; and numerous great-nieces, great-nephew, a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, many close friends and former coworkers. 

Rest in peace, Aunt Nell!  There is a seat reserved for you next to your mom, dad, sisters and brother in heaven.  You will recognize their laughter.  We will always remember your infectious smile and laugh.

A Private family service will be on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 3:30 p.m., at Crain & Sons Funeral Home with Rev.- officiating. Burial will be held at the Bogalusa Cemetery, 

Crain & Sons Funeral Home – Bogalusa are in charge of Arrangements.