Nancy Garland Jenison, 85, of Plano, Texas, passed away February 17, 2023. She is survived by her husband, best friend and love of her life, Gross (Lucky) Jenison of Plano. She is also survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, James Jenison (Shelly) of Angel Fire, NM and Mark Jenison (Elke) of Plano, and her grandchildren Lacey Jenison and Luke Jenison. She is preceded in death by her brother, Gaines Garland Jr. of McAllen, Texas, and her parents.
She was born Nancy Garland on November 22, 1937, in High Point, North Carolina to Gaines Garland and Ona Helms Garland.
The family moved to McAllen, TX when she was 4 years old and she attended all 12 years in McAllen schools. During those years, Nancy took ballet for 11 years, and attended the Texas Hill Country's Camp Waldemar for 4 years. During her high school years, she was VP of her Freshman Class, a cheerleader, and she also lettered in Tennis. Her senior year was filled with involvement in an acapella group, thespian group, and she won an Oscar for the UIL competition. She was also nominated as Football Sweetheart and Best All Around Girl. In true Texas fashion, she could also handle a shotgun and enjoyed hunting with her Daddy.
After graduating from McAllen High School, she went on attend the University of Texas and joined the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Her focus of study during that time was TV/Radio.
In the summer of 1959, she met and married the love of her life, Lt. Gross Edwin (Lucky) Jenison, graduate of West Point Academy. Nancy and Lucky were married for 63 years and their love & devotion to each other over the years has been an inspiration to many.
Nancy and Lucky had their first child in 1960, James Lee Jenison. They spent the next 3 years in Bangor, Maine. They then moved to Sacramento, CA where they had their second son in 1965, Mark Garland Jenison.
When Lucky left the Airforce and joined American Airlines as a pilot, they were initially based in New Jersey, and shortly after, moved to Plano, TX where they settled and remained the rest of their lives.
Nancy had a heart of service and spent countless hours supporting others in the community; becoming what she called a "professional volunteer". She joined the Jr. League in New Jersey, and when the family moved to Plano, Nancy was one of the original 13 founding members of the Plano Junior League. She substituted in the Plano School District, working in their libraries and gyms when needed. She also volunteered at the Heritage Manor Nursing Home for many years, assisting the elderly with hair care, make-up, nails, and lovingly spending countless hours of conversation and companionship to those residents. Her family and volunteering were her passions.
Nancy was a very devoted and loving wife, mother, and friend. She created a beautiful, welcoming home, hosting the most fun July 4th parties and making sure every holiday and celebration was special.
She was an avid reader and participated in many book clubs, created beautiful gardens, enjoyed playing tennis and bridge, and collecting art and nativity scenes from some of their travels around the world.
She adored her 2 grandchildren with all her heart and never missed out on an opportunity to be with them, support them, love them fiercely, and be the most fun and loving Nana.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 11am at Ted Dickey Funeral Home East Plano. Memorial donations to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch would be meaningful to Nancy. https://www.calfarley.org/. Those wishing to send condolences and sign the online guestbook may visit www.teddickeyfuneral.com.
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