Obituaries
Sandra Hannon Dunlap
Mrs. Sandra Hannon Dunlap, a resident of the Richville Community in Coosa County, passed away at her home on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the age of 73. Sandra graduated from Robert E. Lee in Montgomery and David Lipscomb College in Nashville, Tennessee, where she received a degree in biology.
Sandra married Robert Dunlap on May 21, 1976, and they lived in Montgomery for 10 years. In 1986, they settled in the Richville community and attended Providence Baptist Church where they worshipped for 38 years.
Graveside services were held June 10, 2024, at Greenwood Cemetery with Paul Shaw and Andy Dickson officiating and Leak Memory Chapel of Montgomery directing.
Mrs. Dunlap is survived by her husband of 48 years, Robert T. Dunlap; sisters, Janet (Roy) Houlton and Karen (Gary) Tillery; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close family and church friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions made to Providence Baptist Church Youth Group; 192 Coosa County Road 17; Rockford, Alabama, 35136.
Miss Laura Holley
Funeral service for Miss Laura Elizabeth Holley, 37, of Goodwater, was held on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. The family asked that everyone attending come dressed casual or wear something purple, pink, tie-dye, or animal print along with their favorite pair of Crocs to celebrate the life of their spirited daughter.
Laura Holley; born in Opelika on Tuesday, December 30, 1986; was the daughter of Bruce Hugh Holley and Elizabeth Payne Holley. Her journey in life had its struggles and obstacles, but no one could face it as fearlessly and boldly as Laura did. She tackled life head on with a level of resilience and tenacity that elevated her to superhero status in the hearts of many. Her sharp wit made her an expert at jigsaw puzzles, and her creativity led her to making beaded bracelets and painting. No matter what she did, Laura always found ways to give it back to those she loved, which can be seen with every beaded bracelet still worn around town today. Even after her passing on June 1, 2024, Laura still found a way to give to others by giving the gift of life through Organ Donation. That generosity and love she had for others in life will be felt by others for years to come.
The one thing you could never deny was that Laura never met a stranger. Her hellos came with compliments, and her goodbyes, with hugs that could rival a bear’s embrace. Laura’s memory was as sharp as her hearing, never forgetting someone’s name, face, or more importantly, their pet. Even though she considered everyone an instant friend, it was no secret that her best friend was her mother, Beth. Mimicking her mother’s giving spirit, Laura never missed an opportunity to follow along by her side, whether it was delivering Meals on Wheels, participating in the Relay for Life, or just going out on a girls day around town. Their shopping adventures were never complete without a trip to her favorite “W” stores (Walmart, Walgreens, and Winn Dixie) where she could always find the most intricate trinkets and the best snacks. Laura’s sense of style was as unique as her casual, yet feisty personality. The go-to outfit usually consisted of blue jeans and shirt decorated in animal print, tie-dye, pink, or purple. However, no outfit was complete until she slipped on her favorite pair of Crocs.
An animal lover at heart, Laura would never miss the chance to call you up to see how your pet was doing. She enjoyed sneaking treats to the horses on her farm and would never miss the opportunity to snuggle up with her beagles, Mazie and Molly. There wasn’t an animal that Laura didn’t love, and her gentle spirit was noticeable even by her furry friends. There was so much that Laura did in her 37 years, even after many thought she wouldn’t, it never stopped her from trying with all her heart. With that, there was so much that Laura taught others in her 37 years – enjoy the little moments, live fearlessly, always be unapologetically oneself, and never judge a book by its cover.
Laura is survived by her parents, Bruce and Beth Holley; brother, Neil (Shannon) Holley; nephews, Dawson Nolen, Cooper Nolen, Nathan Holley; grandfather, Hugh Holley; fur-babies, Mazie and Molly; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Clentel Nancy Holley and James Payne.
The family would like to show a sincere appreciation to Dr. Eric Tyler and his staff at Pediatrics Association of Alexander City for their 30-plus years of loving, expert care.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Lake Martin Animal Shelter, or to the Foundation of Prader-Willi Research to help in learning more about this rare genetic disorder.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Laura Elizabeth Holley.
