The life and legacy of Dr. Tammera L. Holmes, a trailblazer in aviation and a passionate advocate for urban youth in STEM, will be celebrated in a series of homegoing services hosted by Valley Kingdom Ministries on Wednesday, Dec. 11 and Thursday, Dec. 12.
Dr. Holmes, a Southern Illinois University Carbondale aviation graduate and founder of AeroStar Consulting Corporation, dedicated over two decades to breaking barriers in aviation and inspiring the next generation through her AeroStar Avion Institute, which has touched the lives of more than 16,000 students.
Service Details
When:
- Wednesday, December 11, 2024: Dr. Holmes will lie in state from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, December 12, 2024: Visitation at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.
A flyover tribute sponsored by Tuskegee NEXT will take place at 1:30 p.m., featuring an AeroStar graduate flight crew:
- Plane 1: Pilot Marcellus Freeman
- Plane 2: Mya Coley and Sean Littlejohn
- Plane 3: Neftaly Mora Arnold and Jairo Vargas
Where:
Valley Kingdom Ministries
Remembering a Visionary
Dr. Holmes’ contributions to aviation and education were unparalleled.
She championed the inclusion of urban youth in aviation and STEM fields, ensuring opportunities for the next generation. Her accolades include the “Fly Sister Fly” Award from the Bessie Coleman Aerospace Legacy Foundation, the “Spirit of Flight” Awards from the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame, and a 2017 TEDx Talk that continues to inspire.
In 2024, she received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, solidifying her status as a luminary in her field.
Continuing Her Legacy
The family encourages contributions to the AeroStar Avion Institute to honor Dr. Holmes’ enduring mission. Cards and condolences may be sent to the Holmes family at 122 S. Michigan Ave, Suite 1390, Chicago, IL 60603.
Monetary contributions for the family can be arranged as outlined here.
