Mary Lynn Topping Holmes, died Thursday, August 27, 2026, from complications of obstructive sleep apnea, ending her adventure here with us but just beginning her eternal one. She was 74 years old.
She is survived by her only child, Amanda Lynn Holmes of Charlottesville, VA; her brother, Chuck Topping, and her sister-in-law, Nancy Topping of Chesapeake, VA; as well as many chosen family members and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 50 years, John Richard Holmes in 2023 and by her parents, Elizabeth Todd Topping and Bill Topping. The family is grateful to the ICU and Palliative Care teams at Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital for their competent and compassionate care provided over the past month.
Born in Newport News, VA, Mary Lynn was a lifelong resident of Newport News, VA and graduated from Ferguson High School, class of 1970. Mary Lynn continued her education in Newport News, earning her Bachelor’s degree from Christopher Newport College (now CNU), and earned her Master’s degree in Education from Regent University.
Mary Lynn Topping met her husband, John Richard Holmes, in an elevator in the Masonic Temple in downtown Newport News in 1969 and they were married on December 22, 1973. They were married for nearly 50 years until John’s death in 2023. Mary Lynn was a member of Job’s Daughters serving as an Honored Queen and member of Warwick Chapter #43 of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She worked for over 30 years as a public school teacher in the Newport News Public Schools system and taught at several schools over the years, including Huntington Middle School and Gildersleeve Middle School. It was rare to go out with her in public and not run into a former student or someone she had worked with – a testament to how many lives she touched as an educator.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to honor my mother’s 30+ years as a public school teacher.
