Nugent, Rebecca

Sep 4, 1946 - Nov 10, 2024

Rebecca (Becky) Stark Nugent, 78, of Bryan, passed away November 10, 2024 after a life surrounded by those who cherished and adored her. Services will be held at Grace Bible Church - Anderson Campus in College Station on November 23 at 11AM. She was born September 4, 1946 in Orange, Texas to Becky and Homer Stark. Becky had an idyllic childhood in Orange with her parents and siblings Ramona, Rebel and Lutcher. She graduated from Lutcher Stark High School in 1964 where she excelled academically and was named "Most Beautiful." Becky went on to attend Texas Women's University in Denton. While there, she was the Student Body President and graduated in three years with a BA in Journalism and a transcript that was the envy of all who saw it. Becky's early career was spent working in the newspaper industry. Her first position was as a reporter for the Big Spring Herald. Her career as an educator took her from Big Spring to Orange to Oklahoma City and to Houston. She relocated to Dallas in 1974 with her two sons, Michael and Patrick, and began a career in Public Relations and Communications in Carrollton ISD. She quickly found herself in the same capacity at Highland Park ISD where she was a community pillar and backbone of the prestigious district for 20 years. She excelled in her work while obtaining her Masters degree at the University of North Texas at night. Becky was a legend in the public relations community and was the recipient of hundreds of state and national awards in her career.. While at HPISD she poured herself into the lives of her two boys providing a nurturing, loving, supportive and encouraging home. Becky was a unique combination of beauty, brilliance and kindness which made her an incredibly winsome personality and was always the "favorite" mom among her son's friends. Even in the middle of her intense work schedule she always was present for her boys and made many personal sacrifices, both seen and unseen, in such a way that she was totally dedicated to them. Her productivity was legendary and everyone in the district knew if they needed help doing something the right way to "call Becky". She received the Distinguished Service award from the district in 2012. Weary of being in a big city, to the shock of almost everyone, she relocated to Bryan, Texas, where she took the position of Communications Director at BISD in 1994. Once again she dedicated her life to her work continuing to thrive. Becky finished her career working in the same capacity for the City Of College Station. She spent most of her retired life caring for her aging parents in Orange, researching and writing If the Devil Had a Wife, the tale of her family in Orange. Her final years were spent spoiling her six grandchildren and as a loving wife to her husband, Jim Portt. Becky and Jim were a fixture at Round Top and enjoyed traveling, always on the lookout for their beloved Southwest Art and collectibles. He tenderly cared for her in their 16 years together. Rebecca, Becky, Mom, Mimi, Aunt Becky. She answered to many names and always treated people from all walks of life with respect, dignity and a polite, easy-going southeast Texas charm that defined her personality. Becky was preceded in death by her loving parents, her sweet brother-in-law Bill Falcone and her beloved brother Lutcher. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband Captain 06 James Portt Public Health Service RET; sons Michael Nugent and wife Dara of College Station; H. Patrick Nugent and wife Lezley of Dallas; six grandchildren: Kyle (Emma), Hayley Rebecca, Katherine Rebecca, Macy, Marshall and Lilly. Also, sisters Ramona Sands and Rebel Falcone and several beloved nieces and nephews. The family extends their most sincere thanks to the Emergency and Critical Care Units at St. Joseph's Hospital in Bryan.

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Published by The Bryan-College Station Eagle on Nov. 16, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Rebecca Nugent

4 Entries

Ramona Stark Sands

July 5, 2025

My sister, Rebecca, was my first best friend. Only fourteen months older, she and I grew up side by side - sharing our childhood, our families, our children, and eventually our grandchildren.

It's hard to put into words what she meant to me. She was my lifelong confidante, my sounding board, my secret-keeper, and my constant. Our long, almost daily phone calls, I miss terribly - the stories we shared, her voice, her laugh, and the way she understood some things in our lives like no one else on earth could. There was always laughter, always love and always a feeling we had each other's backs.

We loved and shared each other's children. "Aunt Becky" had a special bond with my three children. She celebrated their milestones, cheered them on, and loved them as her own. Her presence in their lives was a gift, and her love will always stay with us. RIP beautiful big sis. I miss you so much.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return on their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." -Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Maria Austin

November 23, 2024

My heartfelt condolences to the family. Fond memories of a dinner at my home with Becky and a person who worked for her Dad in Orange. Many people have borrowed the book she wrote. Last time I saw her was at an estate sale. Lovely as ever . She was a joy and will be missed. May the Lord
give you peace and comfort .
Maria Austin

Anne Boykin

November 17, 2024

I learned so much from Becky when she was my director at CS City Hall. I miss her terribly! I am so very grateful to have had her friendship and most especially for the nearly three hour conversation we had the Friday night before she passed. I loved these phone visits when we couldn´t get together.

Becky was so completely selfless, overly generous, and chose the sweetest most thoughtful gifts ever. I always thought I would be a step ahead of her at least once. She never visited me without bringing something hilariously funny or so very thoughtful. This year, Becky´s Christmas present is in my closet. So much for being a step ahead. She was, is, an Angel.

Gary Price

November 16, 2024

Mike and Patrick ,
Prayers and peace to you and your families.
Your Mom is one of the great ones and I will always remember her smile.

Love you Boys!
GP

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