Tuesday, July 14, 2026

A00232 - Monet Elise Hilson, Amherst College Class of 1997, Joel E. Ferris High School (Spokane, Washington) Graduate, Member of Religious Order of Jehovah's Witnesses, Author of "Can I Get Witness?"

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Ms. Monet Elise Hilson

1973 - 2015

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Monet Hilson Obituary

AMHERST - Ms. Monet Elise Hilson, 41, of Amherst, died peacefully Monday, June 29, 2015, at her home of natural causes.

Born September 1973 in Youngstown, Ohio, she was the only child of Phyllis Hilson and Michael Hilson. She leaves behind her son Raushan Hilson of Amherst. Monet grew up primarily in Youngstown, Ohio, and spent two years in Spokane, Washington. She lived in Amherst after attending Amherst College.

She earned her bachelor's degree in 1997 and was a double major in black studies and women's and gender studies. Monet was a member of Amherst College's Black Women's Group and of the church of Jehovah's Witnesses. Monet wrote a book called, "can I get a witness" which was later published.

Despite her strong will and determination, Monet lost her 24 year battle with multiple sclerosis. Over the course of her illness she received excellent care from those such as her mother, her son, and from PCA's such as Donna Smith-Jones and the nurses of VNA and hospice.

Her lifelong goal was to obtain her law degree and to work in a district attorney's office where she could prosecute sex offenders.

To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Jul. 9, 2015.

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Jill Solomon Marland

July 9, 2015

Monet had a vibrant Presence and Spirit. A special sense of humor equal to and along side a prolific social consciousness. I will miss her while knowing how free she is sure to be.

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Michelle Grissett

September 23, 2024

Thinking about you today without realizing it's your birthday. Sleep on cousin. I miss you and your mom.
-MichelleLynn

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Deceased June 29, 2015

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Reunion Class

  • 1997

Graduation Year

  • 1997E

Major(s)

  • Black Studies; Women's & Gender Studies

Secondary Schools

  • Joel E. Ferris High School

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  • Charles Drew House
  • South Dormitory

Community/ Professional Activities

  • Religious Order of Jehovah's Witnesses
    Role:
    Member

Publications/ Creative Works

  • Author 'Can I Get a Witness?'

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Thursday, July 9, 2026

A00231 - Carl Bernard Holmes, Jr., Amherst College Class of 1975, Boys High School (Brooklyn, New York) Graduate

 Carl Bernard Holmes, Jr. Obituary Sep 16, 2025 - Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory

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Carl Bernard Holmes, Jr. of Enterprise, AL formerly of Brooklyn, NY passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at his home. He was 72.

A pioneer in his field, Carl was the first Black counselor at the Ten Mile River Boy Scout Reservation and earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in American Studies. He dedicated his career to supporting students with special needs across various schools, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives. He was presented the John F. Kennedy Memorial Citizenship Award during his lifetime.

Outside the classroom, Carl was an avid jazz fan and gifted musician who played with several well-known artists. He also loved fishing and found peace in nature. Carl was truly a loving and passionate man to family and friends.

Mr. Holmes was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Mildred Holmes; sister, Beverly Hall.

Surviving family include his brother, Gregory Holmes, Enterprise, AL; sister-in-law, Everlie Holmes, Enterprise, AL; nieces and nephew, Jamila, Jasmine, Amina, Sebastian, Alexandria, and Jes; great nieces, Beverly, Ella, Josephine, Zorah, and Charlotte.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

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Carl often called me his grandchild because he didn’t have any of his own. I cared for him, taking him back and forth to dialysis, stores, just spent time with him. A few months before his passing I stopped by and we caught up and had us a great conversation. A wonderful man, who showed me every man isn’t evil. I love you always “paw”.

Samoyah Oliver

Nov 05, 2025

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At Carl's 72nd Birthday in Panama City, and Destin Florida. He loved being at the beach.

Greg Holmes

Oct 12, 2025

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To my brother and my friend, ‘All Is Well’. We Love you.

Michael and Kitty Niles

Sep 30, 2025

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To my dear friend Carl who was always there for me. May you rest in peace in eternity.

Harp Patrick

Nov 02, 2025

Carl and I first met at Boys High some 57 year ago and maintained our close friendship and brotherhood until his passing. We spoke that Friday before his transition. The picture on his obituary was a wonderful occasion where Carl had the opportunity to travel to Florida for the celebration of Calvin Brown’s 71st birthday. Carl had the opportunity to see and reminisce with a few Boys High classmates that he had not seen for 53 years, Erich Randolph and Lance Newton. The smile on his face was “priceless”. We had a friendship that bonded us together for life. I will miss our conversations and I pray that we will see each other again. Love you my Brother, Rest in Peace!

James Bailey

Oct 12, 2025

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I have lost my Best Friend and Big Brother all in one. There is a void in my heart that can only be filled believing that "All is Well".

Greg Holmes

Sep 30, 2025

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Truly a wonderful individual that I considered a "brother from another mother". Carl and I met at Halsey Junior High 296 in Brooklyn played on the basketball team and student government. Then we attended Boys High school Brooklyn aka "The High". We were football teammates until he got injured, then became team manager. Carl served on the Student Council as Senior Class President of the all boys school. He organized a disco party instead of a prom that was a lifelong memory. Carl went on to Amherst College while I attended UCONN. Still we would visit one another to party.. I always admired his never give up attitude and resilience from constant medical issues The last time I saw him was at my 70th birthday and retirement celebration in Ocala Florida 2023. So many brothers from Brooklyn attended but Carl was the highlight. A close group of always had the motto from high school "Brooklyn Boys High Brothers til the day we die". One Family, One Love ❤️

Calvin Brown

Oct 13, 2025

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This was the last picture with you, Uncle Carl, and we are grateful to have celebrated your last birthday. You are now at peace 💜

Perez Family

Oct 01, 2025

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