Nancy Woods Lawrence's Obituary
Nancy Woods Lawrence, age 92, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at St. Dominic’s Village Nursing Home in the Texas Medical Center. Born on January 14, 1934, in Galveston, Texas, Nancy lived a long and meaningful life marked by deep devotion to her Catholic faith, her large and loving family, and her many cherished friends. She was known for her joyful spirit, genuine kindness, compassion for others, and an inspiring perseverance in the face of life’s challenges. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 33 years, George Edmond Lawrence; her parents, William Hershel and Susie Browder; her brothers, Chester and Willy Woods; her daughter, Judy Lawrence Hemmen; and her grandson, Dillon Matthew Christian. Nancy is survived by her sister, Ruth Ann Garner; her son, Mark Edmond Lawrence and his spouse, Susan Zimmerman Lawrence, and their children, Stephanie, Meredith, and George; her daughter, Diane Lawrence Hennan and her spouse, Kurt Hennan, and her daughters, Leslie and Erin; her daughter, Jill Lawrence Hoff and her spouse, Leslie Schuyler “Scott” Hoff, and their sons, Austin, Travis, and Schuyler; her son-in-law, Frank Joseph Hemmen, spouse of daughter Judy Hemmen, and their children, Kristi, Frank, and Nancy; and her daughter, Joy Lawrence Christian and her husband, Barry Dale Christian, and their daughters, Madalyn and Bari. She is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren, a number that will grow to 19 by the end of the year. Like many of her generation who were born during the Great Depression and came of age during World War II, Nancy experienced hardships that are difficult to imagine today. A proud BOI (Born on Island) Galvestonian, she was a member of Ball High School’s Class of 1953 and faithfully attended class reunions for nearly 70 years. She had a deep knowledge of Galveston’s history and was a firsthand witness to the 1947 Texas City Disaster and many of the island’s historic hurricanes. Her vivid memory and attention to detail made her a captivating storyteller. Nancy met her husband, George, in 1956 on a blind date at Palace Bowling Lanes in Bellaire. They were married in Galveston on January 12, 1957, and by 1961 had four children, welcoming Joy in 1966. Once Joy was in school full-time, Nancy returned to work as a dental assistant, a career she enjoyed for 25 years. Together, she and George raised their five children in a small, loving, and often lively home in Meadowcreek Village, not far from Hobby Airport. After George’s passing in 1990, Nancy devoted much of her time to her growing family of grandchildren. The countless births, birthdays, baptisms, first communions, showers, weddings, recitals, and sporting events she attended are truly beyond measure. Her home remained the heart of family gatherings, especially during the holidays. She maintained lifelong friendships, formed many new ones, and enjoyed traveling, including cruises and trips to Europe. For approximately 20 years, Sidney Pinena was a dear companion; together they shared a love of dancing, gardening, and each other’s company. Nancy lived independently in her home until the age of 91, when she moved to St. Dominic’s Village Nursing Home. There, she was cared for with exceptional kindness and compassion. Her family is eternally grateful for the tenderness and dignity shown to her during her final 15 months. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Dominic’s Village in honor of Nancy Woods Lawrence. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.
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