Laura Jean Dupree Holland

That wonderful laughter. It is what everyone says when we think of how Mom is remembered. “The person who can bring the spirit of laughter into aroom is indeed blessed. “ Laura Eugenia Dupree Holland, a joyful friend to so many, died peacefully on Friday evening January 13th surrounded by her loving family. All who knew her will remember her fun-loving soul and welcoming spirit. Laura was born March 31, 1925 in Dallas to Laura White Dupree and Leland Smith Dupree, parents deep in Texas lineage. She was predeceased by by her younger sister and lifelong friend, Betty Carpenter. Laura is survived by her sons Jim Dyer, daughter-in-law Pam Dyer, Mike Dyer and his wife, Lesley, Tom Dyer and his wife, Susan, ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and an extended family that filled many a Thanksgiving table. Laura and her sister grew up in Dallas with a mother’s commitment to “ Love One Another “. Mom took it to heart and made many dear and lasting friendships from Bradfield Elementary through Highland Park High School. Mom went to Hollins College in Virginia her freshman year and returned to Dallas to attend SMU where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Post college, photos show her to be a particularly glowing and beautiful bride as she descended the grand stairway at Aunt Lucy’s house to marry high school boyfriend James H. Dyer, Sr. She became a devoted mother with the challenging task of raising three boys. in such a household, Mom developed a sense of humor and acceptance she would carry with grace throughout her life. Mom was hospitable beyond measure and her open door policy created alarge network of friends who fondly remember the many years of driveway basketball, front yard football and summertime pool play. We are so grateful for her time with all of us. Some of the memberships and activities that Mom enjoyed were the Dallas Woman's Club, The Dallas Garden Club and Mrs. Crosland's Bible Study Group. Mom so appreciated books that she at times worked in the Highland Park Village bookstore. Late in life, she could be found nurturing her friendships with a group of pals lunching in the back room of the venerable Dunston’s Steakhouse. The family would like to express our thanks to the staff and friends at the Forum and Grace Hospice. We especially want to recognize the angelic caregiving, total dedication, and treasured friendship of Ann-Marie Sterling who enabled Mom to enjoy a comfortable and happy life in her last years. Funeral services with be held in the Wynne Chapel at the Highland Park Presbyterian Church on Thursday, January 19th at 11:00 AM. A private burial service will be held Wednesday the 18th at the historic Edgewood Cemetery in Lancaster, Texas.