Lonzell Bernard Holman

Lonzell Bernard Holman was born January 27, 1955 in Rusk County, Texas. He was raised in Tyler by his parents, Booker T.  Sr. and Gwendolyn Holman. He received his rest on January 12, 2022.

He was baptized at an early age and spent many years as a member of the North Tenneha Church of Christ where he often led songs and was a member of the Male Chorus. He went on to serve at the Hood Street Church of Christ in Waco, TX, and at the time of his passing, was a member of the Winnsboro Church of Christ in Winnsboro, TX. 

Lonzell was educated in Tyler ISD until he was recruited to attend Bishop T,K. Catholic High School where he was a football standout. He enlisted in the United States Army and was medically discharged in 1979. He went on to continue his education at Tyler Junior College (Associates Degree), McLennan Community College (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor certification), Jarvis Christian College, and was currently enrolled at Grand Canyon University where he was working to complete his Bachelor’s degree. He was on track to graduate this year.

Bernard, as he was known to many, worked many jobs over the years, but found his true calling in the field of substance abuse counseling. On July 13, 2021, he celebrated 30 years clean. Over those years, he has been a sponsor to hundreds of people during their journey in recovery. For the last 25 years, he has given back to the recovery community that saved his life. He worked with Freeman House, Gateway Foundation and retired as a Program Director with Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He was also responsible for starting a chapter of the Winner’s Circle in the Waco area. He has traveled the country attending and speaking at hundreds of Narcotics Anonymous conventions and conferences. He has impacted so many who have chosen to live a clean and sober life. 

Notably, he loved his family and friends without end. Together they fished, cheered on the Dallas Cowboys, enjoyed eating his famous barbecue, traveled near and far, attended William’s sporting events, served our communities, rode motorcycles, prayed, sang, and worshiped—all by God’s grace.

He is survived by his precious children, Delia (Warren), Rochanda, Daphine (ReShawn), Wendy, Amir (Allyson), Zoey, and William; grandchildren, Kametrice, Von Keith, Robyn, Braxton, Journey, Davionna, Landon and Rumi (Coming soon!); his siblings, Linzol (Vicki), Renata, Jos (Rita), Booker T. Jr., Edna, Savanah, Frankie, and Edd Jr;  aunts:, Shirley and Meirley Nell, Uncle, Loyial Jr., his beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, his best friend, Daniel (Felecia) Sessions, a host of friends, and his cherished community within the recovery field and Narcotics Anonymous. He was preceded in death by his parents, uncle, Harvey Williams, and grandson, Sheldon Bernard Burke.

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