by AAH Shelley Muzny
Laura (Deckard) Dobbins grew up in Carthage, Missouri, the daughter of Greg and Caryn Deckard, and sister to Kayla Hyland. She graduated from Carthage High School in 2006, then attended the University of Arkansas before transferring to Missouri Southern State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education in December 2010.
After graduation, Laura worked as the high school principal’s secretary at Joplin High School’s 11–12 Grade Center during the challenging year following the 2011 tornado. She later taught eighth-grade reading at East Middle School in Joplin before shifting careers into real estate. From 2015 to 2021, she worked with Paramount Homes, and since September 2021, she has been a Realtor with RE/MAX in Enid.
Laura and her son, Jasper (12), moved to Oklahoma in 2013. Jasper now attends Hennessey Middle School. In addition to her busy real estate career, Laura enjoys reading, writing, and flipping houses. She’s also a published author—her book The Twenty-Four Weeker: Bentley’s Story shares a powerful personal journey.
The Dobbins family attends Hennessey United Methodist Church, and Laura is well known for her generosity and community spirit. Whether volunteering her time or lending a helping hand, she’s always ready with a warm smile and kind words. Hennessey is lucky to have her!
About The Author
