Holly Ann Hollis Stars
On April 19, 2022, Baton Rouge lost a rare gem. Holly Ann Hollis Stars, 38, passed away in her sleep after a long, hard-fought battle with stage four triple-negative breast cancer.
She is survived by her devoted and loving family: husband, Mark Stars, of Baton Rouge Louisiana; mother, Susan McFarlain, and stepfather Randy McFarlain of Shreveport, Louisiana; sister, Ashley Hollis Ray of Ruston, Louisiana; stepbrother Chris McFarlain of Shreveport, Louisiana; stepbrother Brant McFarlain, of Dallas Texas; stepsister Somer Young of Bossier City, Louisiana; nephew Austin DiStefano of Shreveport, Louisiana; niece Susanna DiStefano of Shreveport, Louisiana and many more loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is predeceased by her late father, Burl Hollis, of Monroe, Louisiana.
Originally from Ruston, Louisiana, Holly attended Cedar Creek School from Kindergarten through 12th grade, class of 2001. She attended and graduated from Louisiana Tech, class of 2005. Upon receiving her bachelor’s degree, Holly was accepted to the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, at Louisiana State University, and graduated with a Juris Doctorate in 2008.
She began her career with the MMR Group as corporate counsel and proceeded to work toward becoming the Human Resource director in 2017.
In May of 2018 Holly was diagnosed with Triple Negative Stage IV Breast Cancer. Through multiple lines of chemotherapy, radiation, and numerous surgeries Holy remained a devoted spouse, daughter, friend, and professional.
Holly fearlessly fought the disease while simultaneously advocating for the awareness and plight of her fellow breast cancer warriors.
She served as the comaster of ceremonies and guest of honor at the 2019 Baton Rouge American Cancer Society Best Dressed Ball, as the virtual cohostess in 2020, and again in 2021 as an honoree. Notably, the American Cancer Society set record breaking fundraising during her tenure. Holly participated as an honoree in the 2019 BUST Breast Cancer event benefiting Women’s Hospital.
Holly also served as a spokesperson for the hospital, appearing on numerous commercials and billboards. At MMR, her diagnosis and advocacy implemented an annual employee cancer screening event.
A tenacious attorney who would schedule high-intensity workouts around chemotherapy infusions, Holly possessed a softer side toward the welfare of all animals. She leaves behind Ms. Maisel, an adopted Siberian stray and close companion.
As loyal as Holly was strong-willed, she has left her mark on all that knew her. One of her legacies; never letting cancer take any of her spirit. She will remain an inspiration of beauty, resilience, and grace.
Visitation will be at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway 70816, Saturday April 23, from 1-3 p.m. A memorial service will begin at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family ask that donations be made to the Amy Selkirk Breast Cancer Research Fund —dallasfoundation. bswhealth.com/ amyselkirk.
