Dorothy “Dot“ Carolyn Holder McLaury peacefully entered into the gates of heaven on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, and was welcomed by the love of her life, Bill. We can only imagine him saying, “Where have you been?”
Dot was born in Hickory, N.C., on August 28, 1933, to Charles William Holder and Stella Mingus Holder. As a child, her favorite times were spent swimming at Kool Park Pool and walking to Carolina Theater to see the latest movies. By the time she turned 17, she was ready to spread her wings and see the world. In 1951, three days before her 18th birthday, her father signed permission for her to get on a bus towards her destined journey to join the Navy.
While serving in the Navy, she met Bill (William McLaury), the love of her life for almost 70 years. On June 19, 1955, they were married in Charleston, S.C., at the Eternal Father of the Sea Chapel. It was then that the adventures of a lifetime began. While in the Navy, they were stationed in Charleston, S.C., Kwajalein Atoll, Azores, and Washington, D.C. During this time, they had five children and settled in Hiddenite, N.C., on a farm purchased by Dot’s father in 1968. He said, “It will be a good place to raise five children.”
Bill and Dot thrived on that farm, but they also fulfilled Bill’s dream of performing magic with Dot always at his side as his beautiful assistant. She astounded audiences by being the one that was placed into unbelievable illusions such as the Barrel, Zig Zag, and the Temple of Benares, always with a smile on her face. Bill and Dot also built a strong relationship with their local community while performing magic throughout the school systems of western North Carolina and being active in 4-H along with their children.
Later in life, Bill and Dot took to the road, performing mall shows throughout the country. While Bill was performing magic and making balloon animals, Dot was creating stuffed balloon art. Traveling with the mall community for several years, they were truly the “Magical McLaurys.” A major highlight of their lives included a trip across Europe, completing Dot’s dream of seeing the world. Her memory was amazing, recalling not only her journeys, but every aspect of her life. She enjoyed sharing her stories with everyone, even at age 91.
Dot’s greatest joy was her five children; William “Bill” (Pat) of Wesley Chapel Fla., Daniel “Dan” who passed away in 2022 and no doubt was there to hug her when she entered heaven; Terry of Blowing Rock, Kimberly (Scott) of Taylorsville, and Bruce (Tammy) of Hiddenite. She and Bill had seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, Brian (Stephanie) McLaury (Ellyzabeth, Freddie), Michael McLaury (Piper), Satchel Moberg, Melanie Frye (Hayden, Harper), Erin Frye, Haley (Kurt) Reitzel, and Ashlyn (Nathan) Echerd (Aria, Avett, Atlas). She was also preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Charles Jr.; and a sister, Mary Ann Holder.
The family will hold Dot’s service at 1 p.m. on August 16, 2025, at South River Methodist Church on Cheatham Ford Road in Hiddenite, N.C. Military honors will be presented by the US Navy. Visitation will follow the graveside service. The family would like to thank Springs of Catawba staff for taking wonderful care of our mother and providing a community of love, as well as Conover Nursing and Rehabilitation, for their wonderful care. We would also like to thank the South River Methodist family for the love you’ve shown our family.
Condolences may be sent to www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to be serving the family of Dorothy “Dot” Carolyn Holder McLaury.