Laurie Ann Fikes

Laurie Ann Carter (Holderfield) Fikes, 69, beloved and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt and grandmother went to be with the Lord on April 13, 2025. Born in Camp Pendleton, California on August 12, 1955. Laurie’s greatest joy was her family. Her kitchen was often the place where the expression of her love began. Her unselfish love and desire to always put other people first, often centered around cooking for dinners, holiday celebrations, family gatherings and birthdays. Laurie had a gift for remembering every birthday, anniversary, and important date in the lives of those she loved, never failing to send a card or make a call. Her homemade macaroni and cheese and pies were the highlight of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. 

Laurie was the oldest of nine children. She is preceded in death by her grandparents Richard and Margaret Brennan, father Kenneth C Carter, and mother Patricia A Hames (Carter) Harris, Ron Harris, and three brothers, Lawrence R Carter, Kenneth C Carter, Jr, Donald P Carter. Laurie is survived by her husband of 30 years, Horace “Buck” Fikes, her daughters Patty Camp (Mark) and Courtney Bland (Chauncey), Buck’s children Marla Shapiro (Greg), Matthew Fikes (Katie), and Michael Fikes (Alicia), along with grandchildren Mason, Lauren, Gavin, Savannah, Kaylin, Collin, Drake, Addison, and great grandchildren Grayson and Tatum. Her surviving siblings are Debbie Kern, Karen Witte, Kathy Montgomery, Kevin Carter and Mike Carter, and step brother Christopher Harris. Laurie is also survived by her Aunt Mary Laswell, and precious friends Susie Cooper, Joanne Vaughn, Debbie Hensley, and CAnn Cornell. Lastly, and he would think most importantly, she is survived by her beloved tuxedo cat, Bandit. 

Laurie was a beautiful, elegant lady and was a beauty contest winner at the age of 17. She had an incredible sense of style and fashion, and took great joy in decorating her and her friends’ homes! Her love of decorating flowed into her beautiful yard and flower garden. Everyone and everything Laurie touched was left better off because of her deep love and compassion. 

Laurie’s 40-year career in the food industry began with developing and honing her cooking and baking skills at Safeway and Skaggs/Albertsons. She was sent to train at the French Fry School in, where else, Idaho, then went on to Cake Decorating School, and soon earned the Head Baker title. Her knack for making the products she sold both delicious and attractive soon brought her to the attention of Joyner Brokerage, finally retiring from Acosta as a highly skilled and valued Food Broker in 2015. As if that weren’t enough, she continued her side gig of catering large weddings with her friend and partner Joanne. Laurie’s cakes were as delicious as they were beautiful; her wedding cakes were once featured in the Arkansas Living Magazine. Among her many endeavors, she was also co-owner of two restaurants. Laurie attended the School of Hard Knocks, earning lifelong credentials in business management, perseverance, and personality. 

A Celebration of Laurie’s Life will be held on April 26, 2025. Visitation will begin at 11:00am with services at 12:00pm, at Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene, 116 South Pine, North Little Rock, AR 72114. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Maumelle Animal Shelter or Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.