of Maumelle, AR
August 24, 1958 - February 13, 2025
Loralee Lyn Holiman was born August 24, 1958 in Star Cross, NJ, the fifth child of the Rev. Mr. Harold Hight and his wife, Carmen Ford Hight. With her family, she spent every summer at the family summer place, Ford Street in northeast Pennsylvania.
After graduating from High School at Faith Christian School in Sparta, IL, she attended Covenant College on Lookout Mountain, GA. There she met the love of her life, William J. Holiman, Jr. They married in 1979. In 1981 she graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Science in computer science.
With her husband, she moved to Philadelphia, PA, Rochester, NY and New York City, where he served as a pastor. When he joined the Navy she moved to Bremerton, WA, San Diego, CA, Temecula, CA, Souda Bay, Greece, Pensacola, FL, Norfolk, VA, Gulfport, MS, Norfolk again, Beaufort, SC and Bremerton, WA again. Upon retirement, the Holimans returned to Little Rock, AR.
She was the devoted mother of three children, Graham R. Holiman (Lindsey), Alan B. Holiman (Jaclyn) and Madeline DeMilly (Beau) and grandmother of McKinley and Warren Holiman.
She was a devoted member of the River City Reformed Presbyterian Church of Little Rock. She is survived by her brother, Kim (Diane); sisters, Lani (Larry), Sharon (Ben) and Jeannie (Mike); along with her husband, children and grandchildren.
Loralee was a person of many interests. She composed poetry, captured the beauty of barns and rural landscapes through photography, created handmade cards and sang in the choir whenever possible. An enthusiastic kayaker and avid RV traveler, she also reveled in birdwatching. Deeply fond of her family home on Ford Street in northeastern Pennsylvania, Loralee was also an early computer programmer, among many other talents. She cherished hearing from her children as they ventured across the country, each embracing their own adventures. Despite her busy life, her devotion to God remained at the forefront of her heart.
About half of her life was scarred by the presence of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The Navy paid for her health care, for which we thank God and the US taxpayer. She went through many treatments, pills, shots, infusions and surgeries. Always, she was able to suffer them with a grace and assurance that God was at work even in those hard events. Seldom did she complain, though always she was in pain.
She departed this life on Feb 13, 2025 due to complications from the Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Visitation at 10:00am followed by Service at 11:00am to be held at the Faith UMC, at 9820 West Markham, in Little Rock on Monday, Feb 17. Burial at Ford Street, PA.
Loralee was a great encouragement to me as a young chaplain wife at our first duty station 9 years ago. At the time, she was one of the founders/leaders of a small Bible study that met at the MCAS Beaufort chapel. Thanks to her efforts in helping organize this study, I grew spiritually and made several great Christian friends in that group who hailed from all seasons of life. I appreciated the familiarity and quality of fellowship that I experienced in that study, and Loralee could always be counted upon to be there for us and take our prayer requests, offer insight and wisdom, and just listen. When Loralee moved, I kept in contact with her for a few years as a pen pal. I enjoyed receiving her letters. I also have kept one of her photography pieces, a beautiful print of one of the bridges in Beaufort, displayed in every house we have lived in since our time in the Lowcountry. Whenever I pass by it, I think of her. And I will continue to do so, as I reflect on her now being in heaven with our Savior, Jesus. I am so sorry for the pain her family is experiencing and I do pray you all know how greatly appreciated and loved she was by the countless military wives whose lives she touched.
We are both heartbroken and rejoicing for Loralee. We rejoice that her pain is no more, yet heartbroken that we are left here without her. She was such an encouragement to me as I navigated my own health challenges. We didn't get to visit often as we were so often on opposite sides of the country, but when we were together, it was like we've always been together. She was an extraordinary person and friend.
I am so sad to hear of her passing. Was just thinking of you both and praying for you last week. She will be missed greatly. I’ll be praying for you and the rest of the family.
I’m sorry I will not get to meet her in this life, but I am grateful for the legacy she leaves, the faith that endures, and the memories treasured by her family. God bless you through the tears, the laughs, and the prayers.
I was a friend and classmate at Faith Christian many years ago. Loralee was a good friend to all. Prays to the family at this time.
John and I were fortunate to have such wonderful in-laws for our son. Both Bill and Loralee were always so positive with our son. Beau and Madey always looked forward to their visits and we were lucky to spend Christmas Day with them, this year. Loralee was so brave and never complained. I’m sure she already has her wings and halo.
Loralee was such a beautiful woman. I will miss her dearly at Ford St.,a place she so loved. I always looked forward to our summer chats to catch up. My prayers are with Bill and the family. May God give you peace and comfort during this time. Cherish those memories.
From Devon and Maxine Hight, we will miss you and you will forever be in our memories. Enjoy the celebration in heaven where we will look forward to seeing you.
I have such fond memories of Loralee teaching me woodworking skills the first time we lived in Beaufort. She was an amazing at so many things and an encouragement to others. She loved Jesus and was a light for Him! We are praying for all of you!
Love, Joanna, Twig, and the Sargents!
Among the many blessings that came with knowing Loralee were the stunning photographs she would take and share. She saw beauty in all of God's creation. Love and prayers to Bill and the family.
We will love and miss you Lora, but know you are no longer in pain. Joy for your salvation! God is good.
Loralee was a beautiful person. I am glad she is out of pain, but will be dearly missed. Prayers and hugs to you Chaps and all of your family!
You are in our thoughts and prayers. She will be missed, especially when we gather together at Ford Street. I will cherish the memories made with her and the gifts she made.
Lorilee was such a blessing to me. I thank God for the privilege of having known her. May God bring comfort.
Sending you and your family all the love and prayers during this time.
So sorry to get this news. May God be with you and the family and comfort you through this time of troubles.
Sending prayers.
Wilmot Green, Hickory Spring ARP Church.
So sorry to hear about your loss. I'm praying for your whole family. She was a beautiful lady.
May she dwell in light perpetual. So grateful to have gotten to share in some her story. Prayers and peace to Bill and the family.