Lawrence I Hollins

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lawrence I. Hollins on November 12, 2023, at the age of 79. He was surrounded by his loving family and left behind a legacy of love, compassion and enduring memories that will forever be etched in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him.

Born on September 17, 1944, Lawrence brought a vibrant spirit and a warm presence into the lives of family and friends. He was the seventh and last child born to Percy L. Sr. and Nina C. Hollins. Lawrence grew up in Woodlawn, Illinois and graduated from Austin O. Sexton Elementary and Englewood High School. Lawrence earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).

As a young adult, Lawrence’s journey through life was marked by resilience, courage, and a deep commitment to serving his country. Lawrence enlisted in the Marine Corps and proudly served in the Vietnam war showing his unwavering commitment and sacrifice to the defense of our freedom and values we hold so dear. During his four years of service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

Upon returning from his service, Lawrence embarked upon a life filled with love and purpose. Lawrence welcomed fatherhood with open arms. He was a devoted parent to Christopher R. Hollins and Leslie D. Banks (Hollins). His children were a source of pride and joy. Lawrence took immense pleasure in supporting their growth and accomplishments from little league baseball, dance class, science projects, college, professional achievements and beyond.

After leaving the Marine Corps Lawrence began his professional career in 1969 at The Quaker Oats Company, based in Chicago, IL, as Head of Personnel for Human Resources. While working, Lawrence continued his education at the University of Chicago and graduated with his MBA. As a distinguished professional, Lawrence went on to become the President of HR for the GRI Corporation in 1982. His military and professional experiences shaped Lawrence’s path, paving the way for his most significant business achievement as an entrepreneur, founding The Hollins Group Inc. in 1988.

Serving as President, The Hollins Group Inc. became one of the country’s leading global retained executive search firms. The firm headquartered in Chicago, IL, and had additional offices in Georgia, South Dakota, New York, and Connecticut. The Hollins Group Inc. was responsible for placement of high-performing leaders, contributing to a significant pipeline of executives across fortune 500 corporations, higher-education institutions, and many other industries. Additionally, The Hollins Group Inc. was a founding member of Glasford International, a global recruiting consortium that provided worldwide search capabilities throughout Europe, Central American, the Middle East and Asia.

Lawrence’s impact extended far beyond the professional realm. His journey through life was characterized by his intense commitment to help others, his mentorship, and ability to create lasting connections with his family, friends, and community. He had a passion to serve which resulted in board appointments with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Inc., the Alliance of Business Leaders, and Entrepreneurs (A.B.L.E.), the Museum of Science and Industry and the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Foundation.

Lawrence took on the role of sibling, husband, father, granddad, uncle, and friend with passion. Lawrence was fortunate to find love, marrying Gwendolyn (Jones) in 1988. They shared a love of global travel collecting meaningful memories. Lawrence and Gwen enjoyed attending and hosting social gatherings at their home in Chicago, IL then Oak Park, IL which was always a warm and inviting place to be. Celebrating the holidays was his favorite time of the year so much so that he would drive more than three hours to Wisconsin to find the best tree. Lawrence had other joys including golf and attending Chicago Bulls basketball games, plus every finals game during the Jordan era and always being open for a gold game anywhere in the world.

Despite the challenges presented by Parkinson’s disease, Lawrence faced each day with remarkable strength and grace. His determination to live life to the fullest and maintain a positive outlook inspired those around him.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Percy Sr., and Nina Hollins; his brothers, Richard Hollins, Percy Jr. Hollins, and Earl Hollins; his sisters, Louise Burchett, Virginia Simmons, and Nina Eskridge; his nephews Joseph Hull, Ward Hull and Eugene Simmons, and niece Adria (Larry) Tyler.

He is survived by Gwendolyn Hollins, his loving wife of 35 years. Also, he is survived by his previous wife, M. Diane Hollins, son Christoper (Ann) Hollins, daughter Leslie (Quincy) Banks.

Lawrence was grandfather to Ava, Gabriella, Noah, and Elijah Hollins. He was uncle to Elaine Simmons, Donna (Joe) Lawrenz, Anita Hollins, Kimberley (Troy) Robinson, Nina Hollins, and brother-in-law to Avelene Hollins and Valeria Hollins. His family was his greatest source of pride and joy.

May Lawrence rest in peace and may we all remember and celebrate his life and cherish the memories that will forever resonate in our hearts and minds.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Hollins family.

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Please contact the staff of Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care for questions or comments.