Nancy Jane Hardin Dougherty passed away on February 14, 2023, at the age of 90. She joined her beloved husband, Gene, and her daughter, Dru, on that day in celebration of her 69th wedding anniversary. Nancy and Gene were married on Valentine’s Day, 1954. They met on a blind date during which he promised to marry her one day.
Nancy was born on June 8, 1932 to Vonne and Roy Hardin in Memphis, Texas and grew up in San Angelo. Nancy was a devoted wife and mother, raising 3 daughters whom she loved unconditionally. She later shared that love with her 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Nancy will forever be remembered for her bright smile that welcomed everyone into her life. She was a thoughtful listener who people instinctively confided in and all felt comforted by her presence.
Nancy was a selfless and loving caregiver for her daughter “Dru baby” (born with Down syndrome) for 39 years. She touched the lives of so many people in the special needs community wherever she lived through her volunteerism, love, and support as well as the sheer joy she and Dru brought to everyone lucky enough to know them.
Nancy continued her role of caregiver for Gene, keeping him at home with her for as long as possible and then in memory care as his journey with Alzheimer’s progressed.
Nancy’s biggest love, beyond her family, was playing bridge. At 90, she was still winning money weekly which she proudly kept in a cookie jar. Her “peeps”, as she fondly called her bridge group, played for 17 years and laughed and cried together all while playing cards and sipping champagne.
Nancy is survived by her daughters, Kelly Brown, Jamie Bevan and husband, Paul of Fairview, Texas; grandchildren, Alex Velasquez and wife, Bianca of Austin, Texas, Tyler Bevan of Leeds, England, Nick Brown of Seattle, Washington, Max Bevan and wife, Janelle of Norman, Oklahoma, Riley Bevan and wife, Jessi of Dallas, Texas; great grandchildren, Luca Bevan and Lux Bevan of Norman, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made in Nancy’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.