Dorothy Holmes, known lovingly to many as Kay and Nanny, passed away on June 11, 2026, in Midland City, Alabama, at the age of 82. Born on December 29, 1943, in Elberta, Michigan, she lived a life marked by faith, devotion, resilience, and deep love for her family and community.
Kay was a woman of strong character and steady purpose, and those who knew her best will remember her as faith-filled, kind, and loving. She was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose heart was always centered on her children and grandchildren. She was a single mother to five boys and carried that responsibility with strength, grace, and unwavering determination. Throughout her life, she remained committed to caring for her family and making sure they were loved, supported, and guided by her example.
In 1975, Kay moved to Dothan, where she built a life rooted in hard work and service to others. She worked in accounting and later devoted many years to Bethlehem Baptist Daycare, where she remained until 2017. She loved all of the children there as if they were her own, and her gentle spirit left a lasting impression on the many little lives she helped nurture. Her work was more than a job to her. It was a calling, and she approached it with patience, warmth, and a sincere love for children.
Kay attended Wallace and carried the values of education, discipline, and perseverance throughout her life. She was also a faithful member of Rainbow Meadows and Pathway Baptist Church, where her strong belief in God was evident in the way she lived, served, and loved others. Her faith sustained her through life’s many seasons, and she was known as a woman who stood firm in her beliefs and trusted God with a steadfast heart.
She had many gifts and interests that brought joy to those around her. Kay loved reading and writing poetry, and she had a way with words that reflected both her tenderness and her strength. She was a great cook, and many will remember the comfort and care she showed through the meals she prepared. She also loved her dachshunds, Mia and Peanut, who brought her companionship and happiness. Above all, she treasured her family, especially her children, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she took great pride in each of their lives and accomplishments.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, George and Edna Holmes; as well as several siblings. She is survived by her sons, Daniel Sapp, Richard Sapp (Shirley), David Sapp, Shawn Sapp (Shelly), and Christopher Hodges (Jessica). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Timothy Sapp, Ashley Price (Drew), Savannah Sapp, Madison Cooper (Hunter), Bailey Buchanan (Tyler), Alex Sapp (Maura), Ethen Sapp (Erin), Miles Hodges, Lennon Hodges, and Rosemary Hodges. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Turner Kate Price, Collins Price, Andrew Price, Ryles Cooper, Kathleen Buchanan, Wyatt Buchanan, and Bellamy Sapp. She is also survived by two siblings and by two special sons, Danny Metcalf and Hasty Wiggins, who held a meaningful place in her heart.
Those who knew Kay will remember her as a fighter and a resilient woman who faced life with courage and dignity. She was often called Nanny, a name that reflected the warmth, comfort, and love she gave so freely. Her family will forever cherish the lessons she taught through her words, her work, and her example. She cared deeply for her children and loved them with a fierce and enduring love that shaped generations.
A celebration of Kay’s life will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 2:00pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Sunset Memorial Park.
