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Nancy Davis Obituary
January 4, 1944 - January 23, 2021
Fort Worth, Texas - Nancy was born to parents James Haines Degnan and Barbara Ryman Degnan on January 4, 1944, in Houston, Texas. She was the eldest of three children. Nancy graduated from Mount Lebanon High School in 1961. She received her bachelor's degree at Rice University in 1965 and a master's degree at Baylor University.
Nancy started her teaching career at St Louis Catholic School in Waco, Texas. She worked as a school guidance counselor in the Fort Worth ISD for many years including schools such as Leonard Middle School and Dunbar High School. She touched many lives as a guidance counselor.
She was a world traveler, tennis player, Pilates enthusiast, and rearranged anything not to miss bridge on Thursdays. Nancy's world travels included Galapagos, Israel, South Africa, Milan, Iceland, Croatia, Vietnam, Puerto Rico, Australia, New Zealand, and Costa Rica just to name a few. She traveled with her tennis friends, with family, and with many other travel groups, making many friends along the way. Nancy became fluent in Spanish and did an emersion study in Guadalajara. Nancy's tennis was her largest social network. She loved playing tennis, but most of all she cherished the special friendships she made.
Nancy was a member of The Fort Worth Women's Club and Daughters of the American Revolution. She volunteered with the Fort Worth Historical Foundation and was involved with Sister Cities International.
Nancy is survived by son Warren Prather Davis, daughter Martha Ryman Davis, brother James Nye Degnan, and sister Mary Degnan Ames.
Nancy was generous with her donations, her last being her body, donated to the Medical Education & Research Institute through Genesis Legacy Whole Body Donation Foundation.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Nancy in the near future.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Red Cross and Tunnel to Towers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Davis
Sponsored by the Star-Telegram.
Carol Hare
January 24, 2024
Nancy was a joy to play tennis with! She was competitive, yet compassionate....the perfect partner! She always took time to encourage me as a special needs Mom and week after week, going out of her way to 'fuel me' for the next week. She is missed and I loved hearing of all of her adventures. She was a wonderful example of how to truly live life!
Carol Hare
January 24, 2022
I played many a tennis game with Nancy and she always played well and played graciously. Afterwards we often visited and she would tell me of her travels and her children's adventures. She lead an interesting life and always seemed upbeat even when she was not feeling her best. She would encourage me with my special needs son to be a better mom and always left me feeling stronger. I miss Nancy and am thankful for the fun times we shared on and off the courts.
Jean Bays
February 13, 2021
Nancy and I were friends in high school and kept up with other through the years. In addition to her other talents, she was an artist and photographer. My condolences to Martha and Warren, also to Nye and Mary and their families. We will all miss her so much.
Micki Hunt
February 5, 2021
I met Nancy when she was undergoing Chemotherapy at Sunday tennis about two years ago. I was so impressed by her kindness and spunk. I loved playing with her and getting to learn more about her.
I didn’t know that she was a teacher/counselor until reading the obituary. We had much in common as I also got my BS in Speech Pathology at Baylor. Then working as a First & Fifth Grade Teacher in Arlington Independent School District.
I’m so sad that we have lost a remarkable tennis player and friend.
Carol Hare
February 2, 2021
Nancy always played tennis with alot of spunk and had interesting stories of her travels back in the day. She fought a good fight for many years and I have always admired her strength. She will be missed and I'm thankful we shared some fun years on the courts.
Sally Stevens
January 31, 2021
Nancy was a strong, successful woman who will be missed by all. She was such an interesting person with all her travels, tennis, and groups she was a part of. My condolences to her children and siblings. The
Petra Townsend
January 31, 2021
Thank you my tennis friend for all the years of laughter, tennis, and our dinners out. Gods peace to the family and friends. Our time here on earth is precious and you made mine better because I knew you.
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