Kema on Family Tree Circles

The family called her Mama Lily. I found out her name known to the family was Lila, but the 1920 Census supports the name as Delila Holmes. Based on the children (listed in the census) who are my mother's uncles and aunts, we have the correct person. At that time she was married to Hollis Holmes and resided in Tylertown, MS.


The family says her father is white, name unknown. She has a half brother who was white by the name of John. Her eldest living son, Leamalie recalls her brother named "Uncle John" or "Uncle Bice" coming to visit them in Bogalusa, LA in the 50s and 60s. The census supports this as it lists her as "Mulatto" indicated she was both black and white as was common on that census.


Her mother's name was "Liza" as known to the family. The family story is that Lila is the only Magee fathered by Liza "Magee" and ________ Magee. She was born in 1900 plus or minus 3 years if the census is correct. The entire family states she was born in 1900. She died in the late 60s or early 70s in Bogalusa, LA. Her mother Liza was shown as Eliza Henry married to William Henry in Tylertown, MS. Based upon the children's names, this is the correct mom. However, information prior to her marriage to William are sketchy at best.

If you know of any John Magees or Bice Magees who were possibly living in Tylertown and frequented Bogalusa, LA, that information would be helpful in possibly putting the piece in the puzzle for Lila Magee Holmes Ratcliff. (She later married Early Ratcliff).