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Laura W. Holland was a founder and first president of the Buffalo Chapter of Girl Friends, a nationwide African American women's social organization. She was born Laura Westray in Richmond, Virginia. In 1960 she became the national vice president of the organization she helped found. She was an active member in that organization until sickness forced her retirement. She was employed with the Buffalo Division for Youth for many years and also served as a volunteer at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center.

She was married to Dr. Walter B. Holland, Sr. The couple were the parents of Dr. Walter B. Holland, Jr. and had two grandchildren.

Mrs. Holland was 82 years of age at the time of her death. She is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery.