1925
2015
Estelle Norene (Cummins) Nance died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Austin, Texas, on Monday, March 16, 2015. Norene was born in Uvalde, Texas, on October 3, 1925, to A. A. Cummins, Sr. and Estelle Brymer Cummins. She grew up in El Paso, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Crystal City and San Benito as her father managed J. C. Penney stores along the border of Texas.
Following graduation from San Benito High School, Norene enrolled at Texas A & I University. While at A & I, she was an honor student, editor of the yearbook and, in the summer of 1945, became a World War II pin-up girl when she was named the “Wading Queen of 1945” by the B-29 Gunnery School of the Harlingen Air Base. The above photo was published in the July 30, 1945, issue of Newsweek magazine and picked up by newsreels in Europe and the United States.
In 1946, following graduation from A & I, she married William M. (Bill) Nance, who had returned from military service. That fall, Norene began a 35 year teaching career in the public schools in Taft, Texas. She moved to Austin in 1997 to be closer to her family.
Norene was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, in 1992.
She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Patrice of Austin and Bob and Norma of San Antonio, Texas; grandsons, Greg and Clay of Austin; Clay’s wife, Jill and daughters, Reese, Maddy and Kate; brother, Reverend A. A. Cummins, Jr. and wife Peggy of Georgetown, Texas; sister, Barbara Cave of Austin; favorite niece, Cathy Cartwright and husband, Jack of Austin; nephews, Reverend Mike Cave and wife Ginger of Hunt, Texas, Tom Cave and wife Cindy of Richardson, Texas, Jim Cummins and wife Cathy of Georgetown and Tim Cummins and wife Cathy of Atlanta, Georgia.
Visitation will be Sunday, March 22, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home Chapel, Taft. Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 23, 2015, at First United Methodist Church of Taft, where Norene sang for decades in the choir and served on the Pulpit Committee. Burial will follow at The Palms Memorial Gardens, Portland.
The family wishes to thank the kind and caring staffs of the Continental, The Medical Team, and Hospice Austin for their loving care of Norene.
Please join us in celebrating Norene’s life by visiting our Memorial at colonialfuneralhometaft.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 27, 2015
albeisa garcia
Mrs. Nance was one of my favorite teachers. She encouraged my love for reading and books. She taught me never to "hurt" a book by folding the corner of the page to save my place. (Taft,Tx)
March 23, 2015
Salinas family
Condolences from the Salinas family on your great loss...
March 22, 2015
Joyce West
So many wonderful memories of your mother!! She was a wonderful teacher and friend. The world is indeed better having had Norene in it. Feel blessed to have known her!
March 22, 2015
Georgia Hodde
Bill, Patrice, and Greg:
My sympathy to you at the loss of your lovely mother and grandmother. I remember some of the stories you told about growing up in Taft, and they still make me smile. You are in my thoughts.
March 22, 2015
Carol White
Bob & Norman and Family, my heart and condolences go out to you in this time of loss. Thanks for sharing pictures of your mom, it uplifted my heart to see and know who she was and the impact she made in this life. Know that she is at Peace with our heavenly father.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Always Remember: Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. Mrs Nance is at Peace in the Glory of God!
I love you all. Carol White
March 21, 2015
Wayne & Carolyn Kuenstler
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our sympathy to the family. Your mother was a very loving person and the good times will be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 20, 2015
Suzanne Forester Stein
Norene's Family, my mother introduced me to Norene at the Continental. It turned out that Norene had taught my brother in law in Taft. I always looked forward to Norene's sweet smile and being greeted with her outreached hand when we would see one another. I will always remember her warmth in talking about her family and will always see her sitting in her favorite comfortable flowered chair in her apartment. Now in Heaven, Norene, my brother in law, my momma and our dads are surely reminiscing about their times together in Taft and at the Continental.
March 19, 2015
Lynne Lavender
Billy and Bobby..Im so sorry for your loss. You know how much I loved her. She was my 3rd and again my 6th grade teacher...She taught me alot...And, I remember when she came to see me after Mother died....She was out of town..I think and when she found out...well, she was at the house and we sat in mothers room and just talked...
I know she is with your dad and how much fun they are having...
God Speed, Mrs. Nance
Lynne Lavender
March 19, 2015
Linda (Tucker) Simmons
Bill and Bob....
I am sad to hear of your loss. Your Mother was indeed a wonderful lady and teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. I had no idea of her colorful past accomplishments. Wonderful memories. God Bless you and your families.
March 19, 2015
Debby Torres
Bill & Patrice I'm so sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I had the pleasure of knowing, loving, and carring for Norene. She really fought for her independence. She was a sweetheart once we became good friends....Debby Torres Lone Star.
March 19, 2015
Mary Sandars
Prayers.
March 19, 2015
Bill and Bob, Your mother was my very favorite teacher. I will always remember her as a bright spot in my life. She will be missed by so many. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. The obit was a beautiful tribute to an outstanding lady.
Mary Ingram Winkle
March 19, 2015
Bill,
Had no idea about your mom's history. Really a little uncanny because sounds so similar to my mom. Will have to share stories.
Janis and I send our deepest sympathies....
John and Janis McBride
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