Victoria Denise Holmes Richardson

Victoria Denise Holmes-Richardson was born November 11th, 1956, in Harrisburg, PA, to Helen Holmes-Grier and Willie Lee Terry. She was lovingly raised by her adoptive parents, Lorraine and Joseph Holly, in Edgemont, PA. Victoria, known as Vickie, graduated from Susquehanna Township High School, where she helped create The Black Council, which successfully fought to have African American History taught in the recently desegregated Susquehanna Township School District. Even young, Victoria was determined to be involved in politics and leave her mark on the world. Victoria was a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force. In 1973, she enlisted in the USAF at the age of 17. She was the youngest female in the Harrisburg area to do so, gaining recognition from the local Patriot Newspaper. Her military service was a catalyst for her love of travel. Victoria was a dedicated mother. Her world revolved around her loving daughters, Elena (Lena) Richardson-Brown of Harrisburg, PA, Brianne (Bre) Richardson of Ft. Worth, TX, and her nephew, Naraun Terry of Middletown, PA, whom she loved as a son. Victoria received her surgical education in the U.S. Air Force and studied Information Technology at Texas Junior College and HACC. She became a certified Surgical First Assistant and worked at world-renowned hospitals like Johns Hopkins in the service of Dr. Ben Carson, Shock Trauma, and Massachusetts General Hospital. Victoria was a fierce advocate for voting rights. In the mid-80s, she drove from Texas to Watts, California, with two children to knock on doors and educate the community about voting on behalf of the Jesse Jackson Campaign. She also served as a delegate to the Texas State Democratic Convention in 1988. She has actively campaigned for many local and state candidates throughout the years. Victoria served as a State Director for PA Veterans for Obama during the former President’s 2008 campaign, where she met the then-candidate Obama before his famous speech on Race at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, PA. She would later attend his 2nd Inauguration in 2013 as a guest of her US House Representative. Victoria curated an archive of memorabilia unique to the historic 2008 campaign, including composing an original song and commissioning original artwork from local Artist Dionn Renee. Victoria was known for her unwavering faith, loving heart, and strong mind. If you've been on the business end of Victoria's feisty shenanigans, know that you are in good company because even famous rapper Eminem received a severe tongue-lashing from her one night in Baltimore, MD. (Yes, she gave Slim Shady a piece of her mind.) Victoria was like the wind. She never stayed still but finally had to retire from working as a Traveling Surgical Assistant in 2016 after a 40-year career in surgery. She loved her condo overlooking the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis. Victoria believed in generosity and often gave her last, saying, "Well, I can’t take it with me." Upon returning to Harrisburg, Victoria loved spending time with her great-grands, even Jack-Jack, who notoriously would turn off her oxygen and run. When we all panicked, she would laugh. Victoria loved telling Mom jokes, spending time with her youngest sister Anita, sharing recipes with her closest friend Eula Tanksley of Ft. Worth, TX, listening to Gospel music and politics, politics, politics, did we mention politics. On November 27, 2024, Victoria, who now liked to be called Tori, transitioned from this earthly realm to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by both her birth and adopted parents, grandsons, Brayson and Braydon Richardson–Brown, brothers, Napoleon Holmes, Richard Terry and Gerald Holmes, and niece, Angela James. She will be deeply missed by her children, surviving siblings, Anita Holmes-Wilson, Wanda Brooks (Henry), Janice (Cookie) Mullins, and Renee Robinson, grands, great-grands, and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces, especially her favorite Kamilah (Milli) Wilson, as well as a host of adopted kids she gathered over the years. Victoria “Tori” left a significant impact on all our lives. Remember to LOVE, LAUGH AND VOTE! FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME.

Tributes

Victoria Denise Holmes Richardson

November 11, 1956 - November 27, 2024