Obituary of Laura Holland Fariss

Laura McGhee Holland Fariss, 79, of Bedford, loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt passed away Saturday, January 17, 2015 after an extended illness. She was born in Bedford, Virginia the daughter of the late Lula Aileen McGhee Holland and Oren Douglas Holland. After graduating from Bedford High School, Laura worked for over 50 years for local physicians, first with the practice of Drs. Eileen and Tom Jennings and later with Physicians Associates. She was a beloved colleague and friend to many and she particularly loved serving her lifelong church, Pecks Baptist. Laura was married to the late Frank Anderson Fariss. She is survived by three children, Frank Marcus Fariss and wife, Lore, High Point, North Carolina, Ronald Anderson Fariss and wife Renae, Bedford, and Laurie Ann Newman and husband Tim, also of Bedford. She especially loved her grandchildren, Buford Anderson Fariss II and wife, Inslee, Julia Lorentz Stearns Fariss, Lorentz Trigg White Fariss and Mary Marshall Holland Fariss, Lindsay Renae Holland Newman, Jennifer Newman Tapia and husband, Dustin and their son, Rylan, Amanda Newman Gosnell and husband, Billy. She was predeceased by three sisters Nancy H. Stinnette, Wray H. Updike, and Betty Jean H. Burford and an infant granddaughter, Katherine Elizabeth Newman. She is survived by her brother, Oren Douglas Holland, Jr.. and sisters, Lorene H. Johnson and Katherine H. McGhee as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all the special caregivers who have shown Laura incredible kindness and compassion throughout her illness. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at 11:00 am at Pecks Baptist Church with the Reverend Bryan Sheehan officiating. Visitation will be held at the Pecks Baptist Church fellowship hall on Monday, January 19, 2015 from 5:00-7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Pecks Baptist Church or the charity of one's choice. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral home & Cremation Service, Bedford.