Angela Crain retires after 22 years of service to Holmes Community College

Special to The Canton News 

Angela Crain, a dedicated member of the Holmes Community College family for twenty-two years, is retiring from her role as workforce development coordinator.
 

“I would like to congratulate Angela on her retirement,” said Vice President for Workforce Development Dr. Mike Blankenship. “We have worked together for over twenty years, and she has done an incredible job for the citizens of our college district. Over the years, she has been the workforce coordinator for the automotive industry in Madison County. She has coordinated the training for thousands of people seeking employment with Nissan and the supplier base located here. Angela will be greatly missed, and I want to personally wish her the best in her retirement.”
 

A graduate of Mississippi College with a bachelor of science in business administration, school officials say Crain has been instrumental in supporting workforce development efforts at Holmes. They note that her commitment to education and her passion for service have left a lasting impact on the college and its students.
 

“For years, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Angela,” said Workforce Development Coordinator Melissa Love. “Her wealth of knowledge in the field, her friendship and leadership have been invaluable to me on a daily basis. She is a true servant to all those in need; her drive and strong work ethic have made an immeasurable impact on our communities, as well as Holmes CC.”
 

Prior to joining Holmes, Crain brought her expertise to various professional roles, later enriching the Holmes community with her knowledge and dedication.
 

Crain says her family has been a cornerstone of her life. Married to her husband, Gary Crain, for forty-three years, she cherishes their two adult children, Phillip Crain (married to Amberly) and Shannon Coleman. She says her five grandsons - Brayden (13), Jase (10), Myles (6), Bentley (13) and Bowen (11) - are her pride and joy, affectionately calling them her “basketball team.”
 

Beyond her professional and family life, Crain is an active member of Lone Pine Baptist Church and has served on the Canton Career Center Student Services Advisory Board. In past years, she held leadership positions in organizations such as the Capital Area Human Resource Association, the Association of Training and Development, and the Board of Directors for Canton Stewpot, among others.
 

Reflecting on her time at Holmes, Crain shared, “Holmes will always hold a special place in my heart. This is home to me, and I have enjoyed working with all of you more than words can say. I loved every minute of my time here. I will miss all of you (some more than others), but I plan to be a frequent guest. Thank you for the past twenty-two years and all the wonderful memories. I will cherish each one and think of you often. I have truly been blessed to be a part of the Holmes family.”
 

In retirement, Crain says she looks forward to embarking on a new chapter guided by her faith. She plans to spend more time with her family, travel, fish and continue serving others.
 

“When I started working at Holmes in July 2006, Angela became an immediate friend,” said Holmes Ridgeland Campus Vice President Dr. Bronwyn Martin. 

“God knew exactly who I needed in my life when I met her. For almost twenty years, Angela Crain has been the person I looked forward to seeing every Monday after a long weekend apart. She is such a special person in my life. She surpasses friendship so much that I call her ‘My Person.’”
 

“Holmes CC has a wonderful way of facilitating lifelong friendships, so I trust that we will remain wonderful friends for many years to come,” Dr. Martin said. 

“However, I will miss seeing her brilliant smile and hearing her voice on campus. Our friendship was brought together by Holmes, and I am grateful God allowed our paths to cross when I needed her most. Her friendship has guided me through parenthood, losing a parent and so many ups and downs along life’s way. As Angela retires, I am sad to see her go, but grateful God will continue to bless others with her presence. ‘A sweet friendship refreshes the soul,’ Proverbs 27:9. May God continue to bless Angela as she starts her new journey.”