GRACE HOFFMAN GANDY

03/12/1927 - 11/17/2022

Grace Hoffman Gandy was born March 12, 1927. She grew up in Waco, Texas and stayed on to attend Baylor University. While at Baylor she met and soon after married Wenzel Austin Gandy. He was the handsome Captain of the Baylor Bears football team and Grace was the Homecoming Queen and Baylor Beauty. They were married for 61 years.

Grace loved a party, being with friends and dancing to the Glenn Miller Band.

Grace was devoted to her faith, family, and friends.

She found joy in life’s big and small moments. She exuded grace, beauty, and love.

Grace and Wenzel spent most of their married life in Houston where Grace was a member of the Houston Junior League, Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae, and the River Oaks Blossom Club. Grace was devoted to Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist University) where she received many honors. She served as President of the American Museum Society and President of the Guild; both organizations of HCU. The Guild established the Grace Gandy Endowed Scholarship in her honor for her outstanding contributions to the Guild and the University. In 1997 Grace was the recipient of the Milton Cross Outstanding Volunteer Award and in 2010 she was the recipience of the President’s Lifetime Volunteer Award. Grace served in numerous other leadership capacities at the University. Grace was also a docent at Bayou Bend.

Behind her grace and humility was an inner strength.

Grace would be quick to tell you that her family were her greatest joy.

The outpouring of love for Grace and her family is a testament to how much she meant to so many people. We know so many will miss her optimism, kind gentle manner and laughter.

In addition to being a wife, mother, and tireless volunteer she was an inspiration and mentor to her friends. Grace was a disciple of Christ. Her earnest faithfulness to Christ and her reliance on him in all matters is final and greatest legacy.

Grace passed away into the waiting hands of her Lord Jesus on November 17, 2022, at home.

She is survived by her daughters Karol Barnhart and husband Paul Barnhart, Jr of Houston and Kimberly Neely and husband Dr. Warren Neely of San Antonio. Grandchildren, Chad Neely (deceased), Caroline Rose, Kelly Barnhart, and Paul Barnhart, III and wife Katie Adair Barnhart. Great Granchildren, Ellie Rose, Tommy Rose, Lila Garwood, Wynn Paul Barnhart.

The family will have a private burial and memorial service. It was Grace’s wish that memorial donations be made to:

Houston Christian University

P.O. Box 4897

Dept. #527

Houston, Texas 77210 Please designate gifts:

“In Memory of Grace Gandy”

“The death of your second parent feels like when you look into the night with a telescope, and you cannot find that star that was always there.” Garcia Marquez