Lora Laverne (Holland) Sharp

Lora Laverne (Holland) Sharp joined her loved ones in Heaven on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. She was 82 years old and living in Austin, TX at the time of her passage. Laverne loved her family above all else, and did so with a sweet and gentle presence that was without judgment or conditions. She touched many lives with her special grace—whether as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt---or as a friend. She was not only a devoted family person and homemaker but also someone who remained curious about the world and all of the possibilities of creation throughout her life. Salutatorian of her graduating class, she always impressed others with her keen mind, quick wit, and ability to engage with a great variety of topics and people. An avid reader throughout her life, she consumed everything from murder mysteries and tales of the frontier days, to non-fiction and the daily paper. She also enjoyed creating beautiful gardens of flowers and plants at the family home in Nederland. She was instrumental in creating a long tradition of yearly vacations to national parks and other places of natural beauty that gave her family a chance to bond in exploring the world together. Her children will tell you that she was not only their mother but a one of a kind best friend---someone who was sincerely interested in every part of their lives. Laverne also had many rewarding years as a hospital volunteer (Ladies’ Auxiliary). She also enjoyed participating in the community through church and school activities. Preceding Laverne in death were her husband Nolan and daughter Carol Anne as well as several brothers and sisters (Lois, Louis, Lola, Leroy, Lester and Lorene) and her beloved parents Annie and John Holland. She is survived by her children Karen Sharp and Kevin Sharp of Austin ; grandchildren Alethea Holloway Loupe and Emily Seitz of Beaumont; and great-grandchildren Katelinn, Layla, Willie, Gabriella, Liv, and Leanna. Also surviving are one brother in law (Curtis Craig) and two sister in laws, Dorothy Holland and Pat Holland. And many beloved nieces and nephews. In the last several years of her life, Laverne was blessed with many kind caregivers, for whom we feel much appreciation. Some of these were staffers at The Park at Beckett Meadows; more recently they were at Emeritus at Spicewood Springs—both in Austin. Several of the people who came from Heavenly Caregivers to give Mom some extra companionship during difficult times became quite close to her. All will miss her uniquely sweet presence in their lives. Laverne's genuine love and concern for all that came close to her will continue to bless those who keep her memory alive in their hearts. Services will be held on November 3, 2012. A 10 a.m. memorial service will be held at the Nederland Avenue Church of Christ and a 4:30 p.m. graveside service will be at the Hickory Grove Cemetery in Vowell's Mill, Louisiana. Floral gifts can be sent to either the church in Nederland or to the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA for the graveside service.