Natchez, MS - With heavy hearts we announce the passing of John Courtney Holleman on May 7, 2026. John was a resident of Natchez, MS and a native of New Iberia, LA.

Following his graduation from Catholic High School in New Iberia in 1965, John attended The University of Southwestern Louisiana, now University of Louisiana Lafayette, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He then enrolled at Louisiana State University where he earned his Juris Doctor from Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Following law school, he worked for the Louisiana Legislative Council in Baton Rouge and later clerked for the judges serving Iberia, St. Martin and St. Mary parishes. He then established his own law practice in New Iberia.

While at LSU he met the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth "Betsy" Dale Holleman who he married in 1976 and recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

As a native of South Louisiana, he loved passing on the rich cooking traditions to family and friends; he used instinct, experience and feel instead of written recipes. He enjoyed spending time outdoors ranging from gardening, floating in the gulf at the beach, and hunting. John's magnetic personality was underpinned by his vivid memory which helped him to remember names. He used his wit and humor to tell captivating stories that his children loved. They especially loved stories about flying paper airplanes across the Mississippi River from the Louisiana State Capitol, summer trips to Oklahoma, cleaning bricks with his brother and delivering his famous "Pollyanna" speech. He was devoted to Christ and spent time every day reading his Bible. John never missed an opportunity to celebrate his children and grandchildren. He was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Louisiana State Bar Association, and past president of Jaycees in New Iberia. Above all else he loved spending time with his family who affectionately referred to him as Papa.

He is survived by his wife Betsy and their three children: Elizabeth Robertson (Wes) of Huntsville, AL, John Courtney Holleman (Emily) of Baton Rouge, LA, and Lindsay Penley (Jake) of Huntsville, AL; ten grandchildren: James Robertson, Thomas Robertson, Eleanor Holleman, John Courtney "Jack" Holleman III, Wilton Holleman, Mary Louise Holleman, Madalyn Penley, Gentry Penley, Daisy Penley, and Reed Penley; Siblings: Mary Beaullieu (Buster), Tommy Holleman (Vicki), and James Holleman (Kelly); brother-in-law Bill Dale (Cammie) and sister-in-law Patricia Roberts (Fred); Godchildren: Charlie Beallieu, Helen Holleman Bayard, Andrew Holleman, and Sara Dale Thomas; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who he loved dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents: Thomas Charles Holleman and Eleanor Landry Holleman; his sister Eleanor Ann Holleman; and his mother and father-in-law Pat and Billy Dale.

There will be a visitation on May 16, 2026 from 1:30-3:30 pm at Laird Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at Natchez City Cemetery with Reverend Aaron Williams officiating.

The pallbearers are his nephews Beau Beaullieu, Charlie Beaullieu, Paul Beaullieu, Lindley Holleman, Andrew Holleman, Thomas Holleman, and Brandon Dale. Honoray pallbearers are his sons-in-law, and his grandsons.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Parkinson's Foundation, MD Anderson Cancer Center, or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.