Laura Marie Holtzmann is the eldest daughter of Joyce Meyer, one of the most recognized Christian authors and televangelists in the world. Yet unlike her mother, who speaks to millions through television and books, Laura chose a different path. She lives quietly, focusing on family and faith rather than public recognition.
Born on April 5, 1968, Laura is now 57 years old. She married Douglas Holtzmann Sr. in 1987 and raised four children while staying involved in her family’s ministry work behind the scenes. Her story shows that meaningful contributions don’t require a spotlight and that choosing privacy over fame is a valid path, even when you grow up in a highly publicized family.
Who is Laura Marie Holtzmann?
Laura Marie Holtzmann was born in St. Louis, Missouri, as the first of four children to Joyce and Dave Meyer. At the time of her birth, her parents had been married just over a year. Joyce Meyer was not yet the global ministry leader she would become.
As of 2025, Laura is 57 years old. She remains the least publicly visible member of her immediate family. While her mother reaches millions through Joyce Meyer Ministries, and her brothers David and Daniel hold CEO positions within the organization, Laura maintains a private life.
Her sister, Sandra Ellen McCollom, also works in ministry and has authored books. Laura, however, chose a different approach. She contributes to the family’s work without seeking recognition or media attention.
Growing Up in a Ministry Family
Laura grew up in a household centered around faith and service. Her father, Dave Meyer, served in the U.S. Army before dedicating himself to full-time ministry work. Her mother, Joyce, overcame a difficult childhood marked by abuse to become a Bible teacher and author.
The Meyer children were raised with strong Christian values. They attended church regularly, participated in ministry activities, and learned early about helping others. Laura completed high school and later attended a Christian college in California, though specific details about her education remain private.
She has three siblings. David Meyer, the eldest son, serves as CEO of Hand of Hope, the humanitarian arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. He has worked in ministry for over 37 years. Daniel Meyer, the youngest, serves as CEO of U.S. operations for the organization. Sandra Ellen McCollom wrote the book “I Tried Until I Almost Died” and co-founded Freedom Living Ministries with her husband Steve.
Each sibling found their own way to contribute to the family’s mission. Laura’s path simply happened to be more private than the others.
Her Marriage and Family Life
In August 1985, when Laura was 17 years old, she met Douglas Holtzmann Sr. on a blind date. The connection was immediate. Two years later, in 1987, they married. Their relationship has now lasted nearly four decades.
The couple has four children together. Their eldest son, Douglas Holtzmann II, goes by DJ. He married Tanna, and they have two children. Their second son, Austin Taylor, works as a police officer. Their daughters, Abigail Welch and Emily Wood, both married in recent years. Abigail married in October 2020, and Emily in March 2021.
Laura and Douglas raised their children with the same Christian values Laura learned growing up. They emphasized faith, service, and character over public recognition. The family lives in Missouri, maintaining strong ties to their St. Louis roots.
Laura is now a grandmother, though details about her grandchildren remain private. She protects her family from the scrutiny that often comes with having a famous parent.
The Bond with Joyce Meyer
Laura’s relationship with her mother hasn’t always been smooth. As teenagers, Laura and Joyce had difficulties because of their different personalities. Dave Meyer, Laura’s father, has spoken about this publicly. He described Laura as phlegmatic in temperament, meaning she tends toward a calm, easy-going nature.
“Growing up, she had a disorganized life as she was so messy,” Dave said. “Nothing we said or did helped the situation. But ironically, our daughter is now the one who helps my wife keep everything organized.”
Today, mother and daughter share what Joyce calls an “unbreakable bond.” In a September 2021 interview, Joyce shared details about their current relationship. “I get along so well with her now,” Joyce said. “The first thing Laura does almost every day is to call me. Sometimes, she is actually still in bed.”
This daily connection shows how their relationship evolved from teenage tension to adult closeness. They found common ground in their shared faith and values, even though they express those values differently.
Her Role in Hand of Hope
Hand of Hope is the humanitarian outreach initiative of Joyce Meyer Ministries. The organization provides disaster relief, builds homes, delivers food and water, and sets up medical camps in communities around the world.
Laura participates in Hand of Hope’s work, though her exact role remains largely behind the scenes. Some sources indicate she has coordinated relief efforts in Asia and Africa, focusing on administrative and planning aspects rather than public-facing work.
Her contribution matters because effective humanitarian work requires strong organization and planning. Someone needs to coordinate logistics, manage resources, and ensure aid reaches the people who need it most. Laura fills this role without seeking credit or attention.
Her involvement reflects her values. She believes in helping others, but she doesn’t need recognition for that help. The impact matters more than the acknowledgment.
Why She Chose Privacy Over Fame
Laura had every opportunity to step into the public eye. As Joyce Meyer’s daughter, she could have pursued speaking, writing, or a television ministry. Her siblings took leadership positions in the family organization. Laura chose differently.
Several factors likely influenced this decision. First, her personality. As someone with a phlegmatic temperament, she naturally gravitates toward stability and peace rather than the spotlight. Public ministry involves constant scrutiny, travel, and pressure. That lifestyle doesn’t suit everyone.
Second, her priorities. Laura focuses on her marriage, her children, and her grandchildren. Maintaining a private life protects them from unwanted attention. It allows her family to develop their own identities separate from the Meyer ministry legacy.
Third, her faith. Laura believes faith should be authentic and personal, not performed for public consumption. She lives her values through action rather than words. This approach resonates with many people who feel exhausted by celebrity culture and social media performance.
Her choice teaches an important lesson. You don’t need fame to matter. You don’t need a platform to make a difference. Sometimes the most important work happens quietly, in homes and communities, away from cameras and crowds.
Where Laura Marie Holtzmann Is Today
At 57, Laura continues living in Missouri with her husband, Douglas. She maintains close relationships with her parents, siblings, and her own children and grandchildren. Her daily phone calls with Joyce show that family connection remains central to her life.
She stays involved with Hand of Hope’s humanitarian work, though the extent of her current participation is not publicly documented. She attends family events and ministry functions but avoids media interviews and public appearances.
Laura’s story matters because it challenges our assumptions about success and influence. In a culture obsessed with visibility, followers, and personal brands, she demonstrates an alternative path. She shows that you can be connected to something significant without needing to be the face of it.
Her relationship with her mother also offers insight into how families navigate different approaches to faith and service. Joyce reaches millions through her teaching. Laura reaches individuals through her presence and support. Both approaches have value. Neither is superior to the other.
As Joyce Meyer Ministries continues its global work, Laura remains part of that story, just not in the way most people expect. She contributes from the background, supports her family’s mission, and lives according to her values. She raises her children and loves her grandchildren. She maintains her marriage and her faith.
That might not make headlines, but it creates a life worth living. For Laura Marie Holtzmann, that has always been enough.