Celebration of Life - Barbara Ann Holland

FORT WORTH, TX -- Celebration of Life - Barbara Ann Holland, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of 88.

Born in Plainview, Texas, on November 5, 1936, Barbara lived a life rooted in faith. She was a genuine, delightful and kind soul. A woman of grace, strength, deep compassion always serving from the heart, and never one to seek the spotlight.

Barbara shared a beautiful life with the love of her life, Lonnie Ray Holland. They were high school sweethearts and married 64 years. She was crowned Queen of Plainview High School. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, warmth, and unwavering support—a home that became the heart of the family for generations.

She began her successful real estate career in 1978, later becoming a respected real estate broker. She retired in 1992 from her role as Manager/Broker at The Woodlands Realty to devote more time to her beloved grandchildren.

Barbara’s accomplishments spanned decades and touched countless lives. She served as President of the Montgomery County Women’s Council of Realtors and was named Realtor of the Year in 1987. Her community involvement many leadership roles including the Montgomery County Women’s Center, South Montgomery County/Woodlands Chamber of Commerce, and Academy of Lifelong Learning at Montgomery College. She also served on numerous boards and committees, including those supporting children, seniors, and women in crisis.

Her efforts did not go unnoticed—she was a chosen to be a Hometown Hero in The Woodlands. She was honored with the Community Service Award by the Montgomery County Association of Realtors and received the Paul Harris Fellow Award and Distinguished Service Award from The Woodlands Rotary Club. Despite her long list of achievements, Barbara never sought recognition. She led with humility and kindness, always focused on the people she could help rather than the praise she might receive.

She was the proud mother of two daughters, Vivi Cole and Valri Ingebrigtsen, and she loved them fiercely. Her sons-in-law, Greg and Mark, became like sons to her, and she welcomed them with open arms and an open heart. To her grandchildren—Wes Cole, Morgan Graass, Whitney Gill, Brayden Ingebrigtsen and Ainsley Ingebrigtsen - she was “Tuta” their soft place to land, their quiet cheerleader, their steady source of love. She had two young great-granddaughters, Reese and Georgia.

Barbara will be remembered for her strength, kindness, and the deep love she held for her family. Her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured and inspired. Her life was a gift to those that knew her.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

A private celebration of life service will be held for the family at Greenwood Funeral Home in Fort Worth, Texas. A private celebration in The Woodlands, will be held at a later date.

Obituary | Barbara Ann Holland | Greenwood Funeral Home