Nita Elnora (Lake) DeGrand, 93, passed away on November 21, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. She was born in Timpson, TX on March 20, 1924 to parents Dr. Grady Lake and wife, Bertie.
A Memorial Service will be conducted at Broadway Plaza located at 5301 Bryant Irvin Road in Fort Worth, TX at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park at 4:00pm with Dr. Jeff McDonald officiating.
Nita grew up in Crockett, TX and graduated from Crocket High School in 1942. Her father was a dentist for more than 50 years and mother was very active in the church and community. In 1946, she graduated from Texas Women's University. She met her husband, Jack DeGrand, at Syracuse after the war where she was working as a dietician after graduating and Jack was working on his accounting degree.
Mrs. DeGrand lived in Nacogdoches for over 54 years. She was married to Jack for 40 Years. He passed in 1987. Nita was a teacher at Nacogdoches High School for 30 Years. She was a member of Heritage Club and Garden Club for many years. Nita and Jack had many friends that they kept for their entire adulthood. She had ex-students say hello to her wherever she went in Nacogdoches. She was generous with her time and resources to whomever needed them. She moved to Ft. Worth in 2006 to be near her children. Nita was interviewed by local TV in 1990's for her investing skills. She was very grateful for the life she lived.
Nita is preceded in death by her parents; husband, John H. "Jack" DeGrand; brother, Grady B. Lake, Jr.; and sister, Hilda Davis.
She is lovingly survived by her sons, John Lake DeGrand and wife Donna of Weatherford, TX, Robert "David" DeGrand and wife Melanie of Fort Worth, TX, Jack Harris DeGrand and wife DeAnne of Houston; grandchildren, David, Dana, Melissa, and Seve; great grandchildren Hagan, Alex, Christopher; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be offered to the Salvation Army, 412 S 3rd St., Nacogdoches, TX 75904
Online condolences may be offered to www.casonmonk-metcalf.com Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors located at 5400 North Street, Nacogdoches, TX, 75965.
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December 11, 2017
Carol Ann Bass Clifton
With Much Love !!! The Class of 1976
December 4, 2017
John Colwell
So sorry to hear that your mom passed. My mother enjoyed teaching with Nita at N.H.S.
She was always so kind to any of the neighborhood kids who came over to play with her children. I remember fondly the numerous football/baseball games at the Denman's house followed by snacks and more playing at the DeGrand's house. My prayers go out to the entire family for your loss.
November 27, 2017
Rob and Ricci Atherton
We are very sorry for your loss. She was a fine lady. Thoughts and prayers.
November 27, 2017
Gary Brice
Such a sweet lady! I had her for study hall one year and had more fun in there than in most other classes! I spent the night with David one time and went to the SFA Theatre to see "The Alamo". Mrs. DeGrand was there when we got home. With a smile on her face she asked, "Well, did you cry?" We both had to admit that we did. She let us know in her own way that it was perfectly all right that we did.
November 27, 2017
Vi Alexander
One of my favorite teachers. Taught me how to use a sewing machine. She was kind and caring. RIP Mrs. DeGrand
November 26, 2017
MaryBeth Hearn
I was honored to have your Mother as my teacher three times while at Naocgdoches High School. Things she taught me I have continued to use for 50 years. Every student should have the privilege of having a teacher like Mrs. DrGrand at least once in their schooling.
November 26, 2017
Joe & Mary Aguilar
Praying for the family.
November 26, 2017
Kathy Pruitt
I will always remember Mrs. DeGrand. She opened the world for me through her classes and the opportunities she provided for me. My heart goes out to her sons John and David, but seek comfort in knowing how many lives she touched and how much she is loved.
November 26, 2017
Emmy Bullock
November 26, 2017
Dena Schmidt Johnson
I am so sorry for your loss of your mom. She was one of my favorite teachers and also a friend in later years when she shopped at Schmidt's. My prayers are with you all in the days ahead.
November 26, 2017
Betty Pulsipher Christian
November 26, 2017
Ben and Deborah Covin
We are so sorry to hear that Nita has passed away. She was a wonderful friend and treasured traveling companion to my mother. What great times they had.
She'll be greatly missed.
November 25, 2017
Janet Vardeman
David,
I LOVED, LOVED LOVED your mom both as a Home Econmics teacher in high school and later as my supervising teacher when I was a student teacher. She was the BEST! My prayers are with you and your family as you say a temporary goodbye to her.
November 25, 2017
Barb DeGrand
I can remember all the good times the DeGrand family had when we all got together. We would laugh and tell stories. You were blessed in so many ways with a beautiful soul. You will be missed. Love, Barbie & Margaret
November 23, 2017
Lynn Harris Ta;bpt
As the oldest now of the Harris cousins, I am sorry that I hadn't seen "Nody" in recent years. She was always one of my favorite cuz. My condolence to you all. Lynn Harris Talbot
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