Holly Jo Devers

Holly Jo Peters Devers

Holly planned to write this obituary, but transplant rejection progressed too rapidly. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 3, 2016, in Memphis, TN. Born February 7, 1975 in Aransas Pass, Texas, she is survived by her beloved daughters, Chloe' Romano, Carolyne Sheppelman, and Kathryn Devers, and her parents, Keith and Vickie Peters of Atoka, TN. She leaves her devoted sister, Polly "DeeDee Kennedy, brother-in-law James, and nephews Evan, Christian, Aidan, and Addison of Millington, TN. She is the granddaughter of Paul and Carolyn Hankins of Rosewood, KY, and was preceded in death by grandparents Ed and Helene Peter. She is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Holly grew up in Mooringsport and graduated from Northwood High. She proudly served in the U.S. Navy, but gladly took early discharge when her ship was decommissioned. Holly worked in retail sales, perfect for one who loved fashion and bargains. She had a talent for selecting flattering styles for others, although not all her daughters shared her love of monograms and enormous bows.

She was sweet and generous, but had a biting wit and wicked sense of humor. Holly believed in the goodness of others. Acquaintances and strangers helped her many times, usually with a ride, even to both transplants. She made friends anywhere she went, and maintained those relationships. Holly's friendship also included her advice on love, fashion, and career choices. She had a gift for decorating on a dime, dumpster diving, and repurposing. She never threw anything away, purchased bargains in multiples, and gave thoughtful gifts that were exactly what we didn't know we wanted, if she remembered where she hid it. She believed in celebrating special occasions, and hosted elaborate parties for birthdays, engagements, weddings, and babies. She would have planned her memorial service with a bit more time. We hope it meets her expectations.

She sailed through life on a wing and a prayer, always with faith and hope for the future. After her diagnosis of a rare lung disease in 2009, she became a fierce warrior fighting for her life, her daughters, and her family. In 2010, she received a double lung transplant, and after rejection, received a single transplant in 2013. She learned she was not a candidate for a third transplant on November 30. Holly's determination, courage, and grace especially impressed those who met her after her diagnosis of LAM.

The world was more beautiful with Holly in it, and ours will be dim without her sparkle.

We thank the two donor families who gave us five more precious years. We also thank the transplant doctors and staff at Houston Methodist for caring for Holly, professionally and personally.

Please join us at a memorial service at Grace Community Church, 9500 Ellerbe Road, Shreveport, LA on Saturday, January 9, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice or the LAM Foundation in her honor, http://thelamfoundation.org, and register as an organ donor.