Nancy Stallings Lee of Brownwood, Texas, passed away on her birthday, Saturday, October 24, 2009, following a lengthy illness. A rancher and educator, she was a native of Brownwood.
Among the institutions at which she taught political science were Texas A&M University, Austin Community College and Ranger Junior College at Comanche. Most recently, she served as adjunct associate instructor of political science at Howard Payne University. Her longtime service to HPU also included membership on the Board of Directors of the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom.
She earned the Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University in 1967, followed by the Master of Arts degree in 1970. In 1983, she earned the Master of Science degree from The University of Texas at Austin. She had also completed work toward a Ph.D. at Texas A&M University.
In addition to her career in education, she also had experience working with the Texas General Land Office and the City of Austin Planning Department.
Nancy was an extraordinary steward of the Lee Ranch, founded by her parents. Nancy loved sharing the ranch with family and friends, so they too could enjoy the beauty of the ranch. Nancy was a member of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.
She was a supporter of the arts, having donated a facility to house the Brownwood Art Association and the organization’s public education efforts. The building, located at 215 Fisk, was built in the early 1900s by her grandparents. In recognition of her generosity, she was presented with a Lifetime Honorary Membership from the Brownwood Art Association.
Throughout her life, she was committed to the care and protection of animals. She was integral in the creation of the Corrine T. Smith Animal Shelter and served on its board.
She further showed her commitment to the local community by supporting the Family Services Board, Christian Women’s Job Corps and Boy Scout Troop 22.
She was a member of First Baptist Church in Brownwood.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam Chandler Lee and Janie Stallings Lee, and cousins Ellis Boyd, Priscilla Bearer and Perry Lee. Survivors include cousins Gloria Robnett, John Robnett, Cora Lee Baldwin, Ben Fain and Betty Pennebaker, as well as numerous other members of her extended family.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, October 26, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at Greenleaf Cemetery, with Dr. Art Allen officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Sam Veasey; David Robnett; John Yantis Robnett, Jr.; Mark Thomas Robnett; John Yantis Robnett III; Scott Baldwin, Jr.; Samuel Paul Baldwin; and Pat McShan, Jr. Arrangements will be handled by Davis-Morris Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Howard Payne University’s Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom, Baylor University or the Corrine T. Smith Animal Shelter.
