Person Page - 742

     Geneva Mae Holcombe was born on 4 July 1926.¹ She was the daughter of Lloyd Ray Holcombe and Eva Duncan.¹

     John Phillips Holcombe was also known as Jack Holcombe. He was born on 18 October 1927 at Floresville, Wilson Co., TX.¹ He was the son of John Porter Holcombe and Lasta Maud Phillips.^1,2 John Phillips Holcombe married Jackie Lee Ory on 18 September 1955.¹ John Phillips Holcombe died on 29 October 2011 at Regency Manor Nursing Center, Floresville, Wilson Co., TX, at age 84.¹ He was buried on 2 November 2011 at Floresville City Cemetery, Floresville, Wilson Co., TX.¹

John Phillips "Jack" Holcombe, longtime resident of Floresville, Texas, passed away Saturday, October 29, 2011, at 2:30 P.M., at Regency Manor Nursing Center in Floresville, at the age of 84 years, 11 days.

Jack was born October 18, 1927 in Floresville, Texas, the son of John Porter Holcombe and Lessie Phillips Holcombe. After graduation from Floresville High School, Jack served in the United States Army 1946 to 1949. Jack later retired from Dupont where he worked as a Lab Analyst. Jack married Jackie Ory on September 18, 1955 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Jack was a member of Floresville United Methodist Church, the American Legion, and the Masonic Lodge in Floresville.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of over 56 years, Jackie Lee Ory Holcombe of Floresville; his children, Philip Holcombe and wife Tammy of Floresville, Curtis Holcombe and wife Peggy of Floresville, Phyllis Sweeney and husband Chris of Houston, and Russell Holcombe and wife Vicki of Houston; his grandchildren, Sabrina Holcombe of Floresville, Amanda McElrath and husband Stephen of Richardson, Sean Holcombe of Las Vegas, NV, Kevin Sweeney of San Antonio, Melanie Sweeney of San Antonio, Christopher Holcombe of Waco, Trey Sweeney of Richardson, Brent Holcombe of Houston, and Drew Holcombe of Houston; and his brother, Joe Holcombe and wife Claryce of Floresville. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lessie Holcombe; and his sisters, Ester Bryant and Irma Brown.

Visitation was held from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Vinyard Funeral Home Chapel in Floresville. Funeral services were held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 2, 2011at Floresville United Methodist Church in Floresville, officiated by Pastor Michael Mumme. Interment followed at Floresville City Cemetery in Floresville. Serving as pallbearers were Jack's grandsons, Sean Holcombe, Kevin Sweeney, Christopher Holcombe, Trey Sweeney, Brent Holcombe, and Drew Holcombe. The family requests memorials be made to the Floresville United Methodist Church, P O Box 217, Floresville, Texas 78114.     

     Eli Barger Holcombe was born on 28 September 1845 at Oxford, Lafayette Co., MS.¹ He was the son of Darius John Holcombe and Rebecca (?)^2,3 Eli Barger Holcombe married Sarah J. Matthews on 15 November 1869 at Oxford, Lafayette Co., MS.^4,5 Eli Barger Holcombe died on 2 October 1928 at Wilson Co., TX, at age 83.⁶ He was buried at Marcelina Baptist Church Cemetery, Floresville, Wilson Co., TX.⁷

Ely B. and Sarah J. were enumerated in the 1880 Beat 4, Lafayette Co., MS, federal census. He was a farmer age 34, she was 33. Children in the household, all born MS, were Leonard E. 10, Ruben H. 7. John P. 6, Claudius C. 4, and George W. 2.⁸

Eli and Sarah were enumerated in the 1910 Justice Precinct 3, Wilson Co., TX, federal census. He was a farmer age 64, she was 64. She had 8 children, 6 still living. Children in the household were Claud C. 32, and granddaughter Alma Crane 7.⁸

Eli Barger Holcombe was born the son of Darius John Holcombe (1802 – 1877) and Rebecca C Barger Holcombe (1810 – 1885). He married Sara Jane Mathis on 15 Nov 1869 and they had at least 6 children, Lemuel E Holcombe (1870 – ), Reuben H Holcombe (1872 – ) John Parten Porter Holcombe (1874 – ), Claudius Clelland Holcombe (1876 – ), George W Holcombe (1878 – 1971), and Alana Holcombe (1882 – 1902).Eli served in the Confederate Army in the Civil War. From his pension records: Discharged in April of 1865 and returned home on a detail. While at home General Lee surrendered. He lived at that time in Oxford, Mississippi. The application forms for the pension were completed on January 22, 1914 and filed March 11, 1914 in Wilson County, Texas. He was 68 years old. Born in Lafayette County, Mississippi and lived in Texas since December of 1886. His PO Address was Floresville RFD #2. He was a farmer and in fair condition health wise. He enrolled in the army in Mississippi in 1863 and remained until the close in Company C 1st Mississippi Regiment in the Calvary. He was a private. The assessed value of his home was $600.00. He had 5 horses valued at $20.00 each, 1 cow valued at $10.00, 1 hog valued at $5.00, and 2 vehicles at $25.00. His personal dollars was $140.00 HJ Price and SD Seale were witnesses with affidavits to who EB Holcombe was. Deposition of BF Sparks of Caldwell, Texas for EB Holcombe claim April 7, 1913. He has known EB Holcombe since November of 1861 when they mustered into the Confederate army together at Grenada, Mississippi in November of 1861. He served in Company C First Mississippi Calvary until May 1865. He served in the same command as EB and knew him personally and had personal knowledge of his service in the army. He did not know any other soldiers by the same name. Deposition of JC Fowler of Harris, Texas who has known EB Holcombe since 1861 but has heard of him and his folks all his life. He enlisted in Company C 1st Mississippi Calvary about 1862-63 and served until the close. He was a private and volunteered for service. He served in the same company and there were other members with the same initials but he was known as Eli Holcombe. He may have been captured.⁹

     Lot Holcombe was born on 20 July 1780 at near Cross Keys, Union Co., SC.^1,2 He was the son of Hosea Holcombe and Phoebe Smith.^3,4 As of 1780, Lot Holcombe was also known as Rev. Hosea Holcombe upon the death of his father, Hosea.¹ He married Cassandra Jackson on 7 June 1801 at Union Co., SC. Lot Holcombe died on 31 July 1841 at Jefferson Co., AL, at age 61.¹ He was buried at Sadlers Cemetery, Bessemer, Jefferson Co., AL.⁵

     Hazel Hansen was born on 29 November 1906.¹ She married Clare Edward Holcombe, son of Edward James Holcombe and Maude Angela Hellands, on 22 September 1933 at Yale, St. Clair Co., MI.¹ Hazel Hansen died on 18 January 1999 at Yuma, Yuma Co., CO, at age 92.²

     Robert Bruce Marshall Jr. was born on 19 December 1930 at LA. He was the son of Dr. Robert Bruce Marshall and Rose Emily Steckler. Robert Bruce Marshall Jr. died on 11 June 1990 at age 59.

     Darius John Holcombe was born on 11 April 1802 at SC.^1,2 He was the son of Lot Holcombe and Cassandra Jackson.³ Darius John Holcombe married Rebecca (?) on 31 July 1825 at Jefferson Co., AL.^1,2,4 Darius John Holcombe died on 26 August 1877 at Oxford, Lafayette Co., MS, at age 75.⁵ He was buried at Clear Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Oxford, Lafayette Co., MS.⁶

Dariuis J. and Rebecca C. were enumerated in the 1850 Lafayette Co., MS, federal census. He was a farmer age 48, she was 40. Children in the household were Mary A. C. 24, Hosea M. 22, Isaac M. 17, William H. 15, Sarah E. 12, Caleb C. M. 10, twin Joshua J. D. 10, Eli B. 5, Henry H. C. 2, and Caroline D. 8.

     Norma Eileen Boadway was born on 17 June 1916 at Brockway, St. Clair Co., MI.¹ She married Edwin Elmer Holcombe, son of Edward James Holcombe and Maude Angela Hellands, on 17 January 1934.¹ Norma Eileen Boadway married Van Crider on 1 April 1967.¹ Norma Eileen Boadway died on 10 May 2016 at Clyde Township, St. Clair Co., MI, at age 99.¹ She was buried at Elmwood Cemetery, Yale, St. Clair Co., MI.¹

     Hosea Holcombe was born on 20 July 1755 at VA. He was the son of John Holcombe and Eleanor (?)¹ Hosea Holcombe married Phoebe Smith in 1778 at Union District, SC.² Hosea Holcombe died on 2 July 1780 at Cross Keys, Union Co., SC, at age 24.

     Joe Mathis Holcombe was born on 12 September 1931 at Floresville, Wilson Co., TX.¹ He was the son of John Porter Holcombe and Lasta Maud Phillips.¹ Joe Mathis Holcombe married Claryce Mae Scott on 14 June 1953 at Hidalgo Co., TX.

While this web site is dedicated to documenting descendants of the immigrant Thomas Holcombe, it is almost certain that Joe and his family are part of a Holcombe family whose common ancestor with our line is probably two or three generations beyond Thomas.

Nonetheeless, we are ALL part of the same family and extend our deepest sympathies to Joe and his family and to all of the families in our country that have suffered from gun violence. Unfortunately, shortly following this terrible event, despite this terrible event, the Govenor of Texas, Greg Abott signed new laws that eased restrictions on firearms, including allowing them in churches like this.

JHH, 6 November 2017.

     Claryce Mae Scott was born on 4 December 1932 at Mission, Hidalgo Co., TX. She married Joe Mathis Holcombe, son of John Porter Holcombe and Lasta Maud Phillips, on 14 June 1953 at Hidalgo Co., TX.

     John Bryan Holcombe was born on 8 December 1956. He was the son of Joe Mathis Holcombe and Claryce Mae Scott. John Bryan Holcombe was also known as Bryan Holcombe. He married Karla Kaye Plain circa 1977. John Bryan Holcombe died on 4 November 2017 at First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, Wilson Co., TX, at age 60. He was buried on 15 November 2017 at Sutherland Springs Cemetery, Sutherland Springs, Wilson Co., TX.¹

From the Washington Post, 6 November 2017, viewed online:

Houses of worship are among the few places left where families regularly gather, sometimes extended and sometimes across many generations. The First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Tex., is no different. And within those walls on Sunday morning, together as always, were three generations of the Holcombe family.

Bryan Holcombe was walking up to the pulpit, preparing to lead the congregation in worship, when a gunman identified by officials as Devin Kelley began to spray bullets at the worshipers.

Holcombe, an associate pastor for the church, was killed in the gunfire, his parents, Joe and Claryce Holcombe, said in an interview with The Washington Post.

Karla Holcombe, Bryan Holcombe’s wife of about four decades, was killed, too, Joe Holcombe said.

Bryan and Karla Holcombe’s son Marc Daniel Holcombe, 36, also was killed, Joe Holcombe said.

Marc Daniel had an infant daughter, Noah Holcombe, who, was a year old, Joe Holcombe said. She is dead, too.

Another son of Bryan and Karla, John Holcombe, survived, but his wife, Crystal Holcombe, who was pregnant, did not.

Crystal had five children. Three of them, Emily, Megan and Greg, died. The two others survived.

That’s eight members of the extended Holcombe family dead, in addition to the unborn baby.

All at once, Joe and Claryce Holcombe lost children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a future great-grandchild.

The act of violence that claimed lives from generations of their loved ones took place in the space that mattered to them most: their church.

The Holcombes were among the 26 people authorities say were killed in Sunday’s mass shooting, described by Gov. Greg Abbott as the worst in Texas history.

As the morning stretched to afternoon and evening, friends and family members in South Texas posted on Facebook, asking whether anyone had heard from their loved ones.

Joe and Claryce Holcombe first heard about the shooting an hour after it happened, from a phone call from a member of the church they attend, a different Baptist church in nearby Floresville, Tex.

“He said there was a big shooting and he didn’t say much more than that,” said Joe Holcombe, 86.

Then, in a conversation with the church’s head pastor, they started to hear the wrenching news.

“Bryan and Karla?” Joe Holcombe asked.

“They’re both in heaven,” the pastor responded. As the day went on, they would learn of the others.

John Holcombe, who teaches Sunday school and runs the audio for Sunday services at First Baptist Church, was struck with shrapnel in his leg, he told his parents by phone later that day. His daughter remained hospitalized Sunday night, mostly for observation, Joe Holcombe said. She was injured when someone fell on her, Claryce Holcombe said.

Their grandparents described the couple as “fantastic” parents, and a “happy family.”

Crystal Holcombe home-schooled her five children and was heavily involved in the church, like the rest of the family. On Facebook, she reported proudly of the children’s successes in competitions for their local 4-H club, and wrote about a recent bake sale in which the girls participated, benefiting families affected by Hurricane Harvey.

John Holcombe posts frequently about his lesson plans for Sunday school. For this week, he planned to focus on Exodus 16, he wrote in a Facebook post. It describes how God provided the Israelites with food as they traveled for 40 years in the desert, “Manna from Heaven.”

Bryan Holcombe was filling in Sunday for the church’s lead pastor, who was out of town.

And according to his parents, the associate pastor has been involved in church work since he was young.

“We knew when he was born, that he was going to be a preacher,” Joe Holcombe told The Post. “His first word was ‘God.’ ”

His first sentence? “See the light.”

On his Facebook page, Bryan Holcombe is shown hoisting his grandchildren on his shoulders, dressing up in costumes for church events and playing his ukulele. He would often play the instrument and sing for prison inmates, a relative told the Associated Press.

“Grandkids, it doesn’t get any better!” Bryan Holcombe wrote on Facebook on one photo of his many grandchildren. “I’ll wake up at night and, in prayer, thank God for each of them . . . it takes a while:-)”

He and Karla lived near his parents, between Floresville and Sutherland Springs. He ran a business on his parents’ farm, making tarps for cattle trailers, Joe Holcombe said.

Bryan and Karla Holcombe were high school sweethearts. One day, their high school was selling roses, offering to deliver them to the classrooms. So Bryan Holcombe delivered a rose to each of Karla’s classes that day.

“He thought she was cute, and she was,” Joe Holcombe said.

Karla Holcombe had the “gift of hospitality,” her mother-in-law said. She had planned to host the family’s Thanksgiving gathering.

Joe and Claryce Holcombe, who are retired teachers, hosted a group of nearby pastors and churchgoers at their home on Sunday as they waited for details about the deceased. They prayed together.

“It’s of course going to be difficult,” Joe Holcombe said.

But, he said, “we are Christians, we have read the book. We know the ending, and it’s good.”

“They’re in heaven,” he added. “And they’re a lot better off than we are.”

The shooting at First Baptist Church shattered scores of other families in this rural, tight-knit community.

Frank Pomeroy, the pastor of First Baptist Church, told ABC News that he did not attend the church service but that his teenage daughter, Annabelle Pomeroy, 14, was killed.

“She was very quiet, shy, always smiling, and helpful to all,” Cynthia Rangel, 50, a resident of Stockdale, said of Annabelle Pomeroy. Rangel, a local emergency medical technician, said she knew three people who were hospitalized after the shooting and were undergoing surgery. “This just all seems like it’s not real.”

As Michael Ward pulled wounded congregants out of the church, he searched for his nephew, three nieces and his sister-in-law, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

“My nephew was outside with four bullets in him,” he said of Rylind Ward, 5.

“And Rhianna, the bullet broke her glasses, and broke ’em off, and she said she hid underneath the pew and didn’t get hit,” he said of his 9-year-old niece.

Sandy Ward told MSNBC that her 5-year-old grandson was in surgery, and her 7-year-old granddaughter was killed.

She waited at the hospital Sunday with her son.

“He’s a wreck, of course, as you can imagine,” Ward told MSNBC. “I’m just in shock.”

“I’m numb,” she added. “My whole body’s just numb.”

Joe and Claryce Holcombe said they’re still coming to terms with what happened. The shooter, Joe Holcombe said, is “being rewarded right now for what he did, and for all of eternity.”

But, Claryce added, “we need to pray for his family, because they’re going through a terrible time, too.”

“God will see us through,” Joe Holcombe said. “We’ll all be together soon.”


Joe and Claryce have filed a claim aganst the Air Force for negligence for not having filed paperwork that could have stopped Devin Patrick Kelley from buying his weapons.

In 2019 family members filed suit against Academy Sports & Outdoors for for illegally selling the assault style rifle, high-capacity magazine and ammunition to Devin Kelley.

     Karla Kaye Plain was born on 10 May 1959 at Denison, TX. She married John Bryan Holcombe, son of Joe Mathis Holcombe and Claryce Mae Scott, circa 1977. Karla Kaye Plain died on 5 November 2017 at First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, Wilson Co., TX, at age 58. She was buried on 15 November 2017 at Sutherland Springs Cemetery, Sutherland Springs, Wilson Co., TX.¹

     John Porter Holcombe III was the son of John Bryan Holcombe and Karla Kaye Plain. John Porter Holcombe III married Crystal Marie Champion.

     Crystal Marie Champion was born on 9 February 1981 at Del Rio, TX. She married Peter Christopher Hill. Crystal Marie Champion married John Porter Holcombe III, son of John Bryan Holcombe and Karla Kaye Plain. Crystal Marie Champion died on 5 November 2017 at First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, Wilson Co., TX, at age 36. She was buried on 15 November 2017 at Sutherland Springs Cemetery, Sutherland Springs, Wilson Co., TX.¹

     Marc Daniel Holcombe was born on 12 August 1981 at Victoria, TX. He was the son of John Bryan Holcombe and Karla Kaye Plain. Marc Daniel Holcombe married Jennifer Massey. Marc Daniel Holcombe died on 5 November 2017 at First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, Wilson Co., TX, at age 36. He was buried on 15 November 2017 at Sutherland Springs Cemetery, Sutherland Springs, Wilson Co., TX.¹

     Noah Grace Holcombe was born on 17 May 2016. She was the daughter of Marc Daniel Holcombe and Jennifer Massey. Noah Grace Holcombe died on 5 November 2017 at First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, Wilson Co., TX, at age 1. She was buried on 15 November 2017 at Sutherland Springs Cemetery, Sutherland Springs, Wilson Co., TX.¹

     Gregory Lynn Hill was born on 10 July 2004 at San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX. He was the son of Peter Christopher Hill and Crystal Marie Champion. Gregory Lynn Hill died on 5 November 2017 at First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, Wilson Co., TX, at age 13. He was buried on 15 November 2017 at Sutherland Springs Cemetery, Sutherland Springs, Wilson Co., TX.¹

Gregory Lynn Hill, age 13 years 3 months 25 days, died at his church in Sutherland Springs, Texas on Sunday, November 5, 2017 while worshipping Jesus with his family. He was born in San Antonio on July 10, 2004 to Peter Christopher & Crystal Marie Champion Hill. He was a lifetime resident of Floresville.

He was joined in Heaven by his Mother, Crystal Marie Holcombe; Siblings, Emily Rose Hill, Megan Gail Hill & Carlin Brite "Billy Bob" Holcombe; Grandparents, Bryan & Karla Holcombe; Uncle, Danny Holcombe & Cousin, Noah Grace Holcombe. He was preceded in death by his Father, Peter Christopher Hill.

     Emily Rose Hill was born on 14 March 2006 at San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX. She was the daughter of Peter Christopher Hill and Crystal Marie Champion. Emily Rose Hill died on 5 November 2017 at First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, Wilson Co., TX, at age 11. She was buried on 15 November 2017 at Sutherland Springs Cemetery, Sutherland Springs, Wilson Co., TX.¹

     Megan Gail Hill was born on 28 August 2008 at San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX. She was the daughter of Peter Christopher Hill and Crystal Marie Champion. Megan Gail Hill died on 5 November 2017 at First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, Wilson Co., TX, at age 9. She was buried on 15 November 2017 at Sutherland Springs Cemetery, Sutherland Springs, Wilson Co., TX.¹

     Daniel Dutcher was born on 20 November 1780 at Salisbury, Litchfield Co., CT.¹ He was the son of Christopher Dutcher and Rosetta Holcombe.¹ Daniel Dutcher died on 26 March 1819 at VT at age 38.¹ He was buried at Greenwood Cemetery, St. Albans, Franklin Co., VT.²

     Chauncey Dutcher was born on 16 October 1784.¹ He was the son of Christopher Dutcher and Rosetta Holcombe.¹

     Jennifer Massey married Marc Daniel Holcombe, son of John Bryan Holcombe and Karla Kaye Plain.

     James Clark Dutcher was born on 18 May 1792.¹ He was the son of Christopher Dutcher and Rosetta Holcombe.¹

     Naomi Ester Morris was born on 25 July 1924.¹ She married Russell Lee Holcombe, son of Edward James Holcombe and Maude Angela Hellands, on 31 January 1948.¹

     Edward Lindsey Marshall was born on 18 December 1848 at Mobile, Mobile Co., AL.¹ He was the son of William Thomas Marshall and Mary Annabella Hails.¹ Edward Lindsey Marshall married Jennie Sophia Williams.

     Robert Hails Marshall was born on 29 August 1844 at Cottage Hill, Mobile, Mobile Co., AL.¹ He was the son of William Thomas Marshall and Mary Annabella Hails.¹ Robert Hails Marshall died on 6 April 1862 at Shiloh Battlefield, Shiloh, TN, at age 17.¹

     Gladys Irene Holcombe was born on 14 November 1917 at Brockway, St. Clair Co., MI.^1,2 She was the daughter of Edward James Holcombe and Maude Angela Hellands.¹ Gladys Irene Holcombe married Donald James Cope on 19 June 1937 at Brockway, St. Clair Co., MI.³ Gladys Irene Holcombe died on 9 March 2015 at Yale, St. Clair Co., MI, at age 97.^1,2 She was buried at Elmwood Cemetery, Yale, St. Clair Co., MI.²

     Wiliam Thomas Marshall was born on 5 January 1851 at Mobile, Mobile Co., AL.¹ He was the son of William Thomas Marshall and Mary Annabella Hails.¹

     Ruth Jurn was born on 19 December 1917.¹ She married Robert Glen Holcombe, son of Edward James Holcombe and Maude Angela Hellands, on 14 June 1946.¹ Ruth Jurn died on 12 January 2000 at age 82.¹

     Benjamin Waren Marshall was born on 3 February 1853 at Mobile, Mobile Co., AL.¹ He was the son of William Thomas Marshall and Mary Annabella Hails.¹

     Harry Hails Marshall was born on 26 October 1863 at Mobile, Mobile Co., AL.¹ He was the son of William Thomas Marshall and Mary Annabella Hails.¹ Harry Hails Marshall died on 8 August 1865 at Wilcox Co., AL, at age 1.¹

     Susie Stracenrider was born on 11 March 1886.¹ She married Joseph David Holcombe, son of Samuel Eliflet Holcombe and Amy Philinda Griffin, on 6 April 1917.¹

     William Thomas Marshall was born on 19 September 1818 at Augusta, Richmond Co., GA.¹ He married Mary Annabella Hails on 15 June 1841 at Cottage Hill, Mobile, Mobile Co., AL.¹ William Thomas Marshall died on 4 July 1887 at Mobile, Mobile Co., AL, at age 68.¹

     Florence Holcombe was the daughter of Joseph David Holcombe and Susie Stracenrider.¹ Florence Holcombe married Earl Zisler.¹

     Senator Samuel Augustus Nunn Jr. was born on 8 September 1938 at Macon, Bibb Co., GA.¹ He was the son of Samuel Augustus Nunn Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Cannon.