BOBBY HOLMES was born on September 25th, 1949,
in Shaw, Mississippi. He was the second of ten children born
to Robert and Roberta Barksdale, who preceded him in death.
 

He also had three brothers and one sister who preceded him
in death: Rob Barksdale, Robert Mason, Marvin Barksdale
and Angele Millender.
 

Bobby departed this life on September 8th, 2025, at Norwegian
American Hospital. Bobby obtained his education from
Mcevans H.S. in Shaw, Mississippi. He relocated to Chicago
with his parents and siblings in the early 1960’s. He later
married Pearlie Mae Thomas, who preceded him in death.
 

Bobby worked at Spraying Systems in Wheaton, Illinois for
numerous years before his retirement. He also worked as a
deejay throughout the city and Argo, Illinois, and was known
by the name “DJ Blackula” AKA “Black.” He had a great
love for music and would always try to get his lil’ time in if he
wasn’t deejaying at an event or family functions.
 

Bobby’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and
friends. His love for his family ran deep and he was always
looking forward to the family gatherings. He was the life of
the party, and to know him was to love him.
Bobby leaves to cherish his memories: his daughter, Lita
Lisa Teague; son, Artis Jemal Henry, both of Illinois; two
grandsons, Nate Jackson, Jr. and Artis “AJ” Henry; one
granddaughter, Desarae Elisa Teague; and one great-
granddaughter Kamryn Avery Jackson; and one stepdaughter,
Rosemary Cloud of Atlanta, Georgia.
 

Bobby also leaves to cherish his memories: his siblings,
Robert (Brenda) Barksdale, Sr., George (Debbie) Holmes,
Larry Barksdale of Illinois, Maurice Mason of Cleveland,
Mississippi, Eva Holmes of Inverness, Mississippi, JoAnn
Barksdale and Rosemary (Leslie) Robinson, both of Illinois,
Bobby King of Marietta, Georgia, Rose Bulter, Glenda
Barksdale and Loretta Mason, all of Illinois, Nanette Mason,
Marilyn Mason, Daphne Mason and Stephanie Mason, all of
Mississippi, special lifelong friend, Helen Henry of Illinois;
and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.