NAN DOUBET BROWN

1942-2021

Nan Doubet Brown, 78, passed away in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, surrounded by her beloved husband and three sons, after a nine-year battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Nan was born on April 30, 1942, in Peoria, Illinois, to Raymond and Virginia Doubet. She is survived by her devoted, loving husband of 55 years, Bill, her three sons, Jed (Belinda) of Laredo, Doak (Jennifer) of Houston, and Wil (Erin) of Houston, as well as her brothers, Chuck (Sandie) Doubet of Katy, and Tad (Vicki) Doubet of Metamora, Illinois, plus many nieces and nephews. Nan was most proud of her five grandchildren: Walker, Cade, Blakely, Harper, and Hutton.

Nan was an exceptional student and outstanding student leader while in high school and college. She graduated from Peoria High School in 1960, and later from University of Arizona in 1964 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. While in high school, Nan was a member of the National Honor Society, was active on many student affairs committees, and was elected both Junior Prom Queen and Senior Hop Queen. During her years at University of Arizona, Nan was a member of the Student Union Activity Board representing the College of Education, served as Secretary of the DESERT Yearbook, received the “Who’s Who” of America award, served as a member of the Student Senate and on the board of the ASUA Election Committee, and was Vice President of Angel Flight, the women’s auxiliary arm of the ROTC Air Force division. Nan was also a proud member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority, where she held a number of positions over the past 60 years.

While at Arizona, Nan met and fell in love with her future husband, Bill. After graduation in 1964, Nan moved to Palo Alto, California, for her first elementary school teaching position. Bill and Nan were married in 1965, and Nan moved back to Tucson while Bill finished his degree in architecture. During that time, Nan taught many Native American children, and always remembered that year as one of her favorite teaching experiences. After Bill’s graduation, they settled in Houston, where Nan taught elementary school in Spring Branch for two years. After staying home to raise her three young boys, Nan returned to teaching at River Oaks Baptist School, where she remained a beloved lower school teacher for 10 years. While teaching at ROBS, she returned to school to complete her Masters of Library Science at the University of Houston.

Nan’s philanthropic work in Houston was deep and varied. She was active in the Junior League of Houston for years, where she served as Treasurer, was a member of P.E.O., Chapter AY of Houston, for over 50 years, serving as Treasurer and President several times, and enjoyed being a member of the Southampton Garden Club. Following her love of education, Nan served on the board at the Neuhaus Education Center for years and was a member of the building committee for their new building. Along with Bill, Nan was a devoted member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church for over 40 years.

Nan’s favorite times were spent with her beloved family and her many friends. She loved watching her three sons play sports, from Little League to high school sports at The Kinkaid School. After her last son graduated from high school, Nan continued to meet with “The Baseball Moms” for lunch for years. Nan enjoyed going to their beach house in Galveston, but her favorite times were spent at the family’s home in Crested Butte, Colorado, where she enjoyed skiing, hiking, and horseback riding with her boys into the high country. She always had a garden full of mountain wildflowers at the house in Crested Butte. In later years, Nan loved their house on Lake LBJ, where many good friends often visited. She looked forward to hosting her Illinois family each summer for vacations at the lake. Nan was also an avid animal lover, from her first horse, Prince Charles, in high school, to the Airedale puppy named Otto that she shared with Bill in college (which Bill credits with helping him to seal the deal of their marriage), and four yellow Labradors over 45 years, each one special to Nan in their own way. Most recently, Nan leaves behind her “pound puppy” Maggie, who will miss her dearly.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and love to Nancy Sparks for 52 years of help and friendship. Nan loved Nancy dearly, and considered her a sister. While at home, Nan had five special caregivers, Bernadette, Noralba, Rosie, Olivia, and Jadira, and we want to thank them for their loving care. Finally, the family would like to thank the staff and wonderful caregivers at The Tradition, Buffalo Speedway, for their compassionate and loving care over the last fourteen months.

“Hymn of Promise” was Nan’s favorite hymn, and its words perfectly reflect Nan’s view of this life, and the eternal life we are promised in Jesus:

In the bulb there is a flower; In the seed, an apple tree;

In cocoons a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,

Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;

There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds a mystery,

Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;

In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.

In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,

Unrevealed until Its season, something God alone can see.

A celebration of Nan’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nan’s memory may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Neuhaus Education Center, or a charity of your choice.