February 16, 1953 – February 24, 2025

Karel Elizabeth Umstead Holloway, 72, of Terrell passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025, in Dallas. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She was also a journalist, gardener, and dedicated advocate for children. A celebration of life for Karel was scheduled for March 8, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point. Visitation was held one hour prior to service time.

Karel was born on February 16, 1953, in Dallas, and was the daughter of Karl Wesley Umstead and Myra Elizabeth Orr Umstead. She grew up in Dallas and graduated from W.W. Samuell High School in 1971. The next year, she married Richard Holloway, and together they built a life filled with love and purpose. Most of all, she found joy in spending time with her family. Karel earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Journalism) from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1978, and a Master of Liberal Arts from Southern Methodist University in 2000.

Throughout her career, she worked as a reporter and editor for The Dallas Morning News and contributed to numerous publications as a freelance writer. She covered a wide range of topics including police, equestrian sports, religion, gardening, and education. She served as a night city editor, Richardson bureau chief, and was the creator and editor of the Education Extra section of the paper. In 1989, she won a Katie Award from the Press Club of Dallas.

In October 2000, Karel and Richard moved to the Terrell area, where she became deeply involved in the community. In 2004, she created KaufmanCountyOnline.com, an online community news source. She was a passionate volunteer for CASA, serving as an advocate for the welfare of children. She found joy in weaving and in the fellowship of friends in her weaving group. Karel also had a love for gardening and was an active member of the Kaufman County Master Gardeners. Karel was member of St. Stephen United Methodist Church in Mesquite for more than 30 years.

Karel was preceded in death by her parents, Karl and Myra Umstead.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Richard Holloway of Terrell; her loving children, Benjamin Holloway and wife, Amanda McMillian, of Houston; Lorien Stone and husband, Sam Stone, of Tyler; James Holloway and wife, Angela Silva, of Dallas; David Holloway and wife, Aimee Holloway, of Alvarado; and Stephen Holloway and wife, Alicia Robinson, of Rowlett; her niece, Amie Holloway of Dallas; and her cherished grandchildren, Grayson Holloway, Emma Holloway, Ivy Holloway, and Teddy Holloway. Memorial contributions may be made to Lone Star CASA, 102 Kenway St., Rockwall, Texas 75087.