Avanel Holley's Obituary
Avanel went into the loving arms of God on March 5, 2015 six months after celebrating 99 years of life. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Byron L Holley and her two brothers, Elten and Roscoe Vance. Avanel is survived by her devoted son, Ronald M. Holley, his wife Martha Holley, her grandson Brad Holley and his wife Julie, her granddaughter Kara Baergen and her husband John, her great-grandchildren Taylor, Gracie, Brenna, Johnny, Bradford, Audrey and her great-great grandson Noah. Avanel was born September 4, 1915 on her maturnal grandfather’s farm near Panhandle, Texas. In 1934 at age 19, Avanel married Byron L. Holley and throughout their marriage they worked together across the oilfields of Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Montana, Nebraska, Kansas and Canada. They retired in Dallas in 1963 to be close to their only child, Ron Holley and his family. Avanel lost her husband, Bryon, in 1977, yet lived independently up until her death. Hardworking yet fun-loving, she was an avid bridge player and devoted sports enthusiast especially of her Dallas Cowboys. She even helped coach numerous SVAA basketball teams for her grandchildren. She was small but mighty and enjoyed traveling, fishing and just spending time with her family. Though married in the depression, Avanel was generous and giving through her life, yet knew the importance of being frugal. She found delight in life’s simple pleasures like the red bloom of a Christmas cactus flower and a good hot cup of coffee. Avanel lived independently all of her 99 years and gave credit to a balanced lifestyle of exercise, eating a healthy diet, regular doctor’s exams, a positive attitude and choosing to be happy. She walked every day, in her later years with the aid of a walker, but found joy in the ability of still being able to exercise. She was under the care of Dr. Susan McKinney for decades, and was able to fight off numerous ailments and illnesses through preventive care and following her physician’s advice and guidelines. Her quality of life is a testament to all who knew and adored her; an example of a time lived well. In the 99 years she shared with us, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all she knew and loved. Her strong and independent spirit will continue to inspire our lives on a daily basis. Graveside service for Avanel Holley will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at Restland Memorial Park. Funera arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75238 at Restland Road Memorial Park.
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