Ms. Alice Lynn Massey, 50, Houston, Texas, passed away from complications of a stroke on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2013 at St. Joseph Hospital. Ms. Massey was a fifth generation Houstonian, seventh generation Texan, and a fifteenth generation American. She was the daughter of DeEtte DuPree Massey and Marion Massey. With her mother’s second marriage in 1971, she gained a second father, Ernest Van Nesbitt, II. She was the granddaughter of Alice Lula Cade DuPree Foster and Raymond Benjamin DuPree of Houston, Texas. Ms. Massey was the great-granddaughter of DeEtte Eddings Fuller Cade and Richard Charles Cade of Houston. She was the great-great granddaughter of Ann Mortimer Cade and James Robert Cade of Houston and also of Alice Gertrude Lea Jones Fuller formely of Amite County, Mississippi and Henry Clay Fuller of Nacogdoches, Texas.
Ms. Massey’s great-great grandfather, James Robert Cade, settled in Houston before 1870.
He was an innovator and designer of private rail cars for such notables as Louis C. Tiffany and Milton S. Hershey for the Southern Pacific Railroad. He was a prominent Mason, being elected the 16th Master of the Gray Lodge 329 A.F.& A.M. His name has been perpetuated in the Cade – Rothwell Lodge No. 1151 in Houston. (History of the Gray Lodge). He was a leader in the Episcopal Diocese in Houston and co-founder of the first St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Houston. (Ref: Early Diocesan Records of the State of Texas). Originally from England, Mr. Cade was the first immigrant to serve as President of Mechanics Building and Loan Association which had offices throughout the United States. Mr. Cade was a member of the School Board during the administration of H. Baldwin Rice, Mayor of Houston. (Ref: Houston Post, 1912, A Tribute to James Robert Cade). Henry Clay Fuller was the Editor of the Nacogdoches, Texas Daily Sentinel newspaper for many years and was also a highly published writer of early Western novels. His wife, Alice Gertrude Lea Jones Fuller, was a descendant of the early Clay and Lea/Lee Families of Virginia, Mississippi and Alabama. Her second cousin, Clement Comer Clay, was a 19th century Governor and later a U. S. Senator from Alabama. Ms. Massey’s American ancestry has been fully documented back to 1613 in Jamestown, Virginia, the cradle of our country. Her early proven Virginia ancestors who helped develop the first colony of the New World before 1625 were John Clay, Richard Pace, and Samuel Maycock. Ms Massey was honored with life membership in the Order of First Families of Virginia, 1607-1624/5. Also on her maternal side, her grandfather, Raymond Benjamin DuPree (DuPre), is descended from numerous prominent families from old Charleston, South Carolina such as Alston, DuBose, DuPre and Gaillard. Ms. Massey’s French Huguenot families have also been fully documented back to Charleston before 1700. She was honored with life membership in The Society of First Families of South Carolina 1670-1700. Ms. Massey, along with numerous family members, has been recognized and is listed in the New York Social Register.
Ms. Massey was deeply committed to the cause of animal welfare and an active supporter of organizations who shared her concerns. “I have always had a thing about animals”, is how she would describe herself. Some of her activities were walking shelter dogs and promoting events such as adopting abused cats and dogs. She shared her home with two cats and two dogs which she had adopted from a shelter. She leaves behind her beloved animals, Puddin Poo, Holly, Pearl and Tigger.
Ms. Massey received a B.A. in Behavioral Science at the University of Houston in December 1987 with a double major in psychology and sociology and minors in criminology and journalism. Immediately following graduation, she was hired as a Social Worker for the State of Texas. In 2008, she returned to school and received her certification in the Children Protective Services. Ms. Massey took early retirement with nearly 25 years of dedicated service in 2011 due to declining health issues. After her retirement, she continued to enjoy her volunteer work with several Rescue Animal Shelters, the SPCA and working with abused animals with the hope of adoption.
Ms. Massey had become a published writer including a video on You Tube which had become viral. She had also been asked to work on several new historical videos for You Tube. As she was an avid reader of poetry with a little known talent to many, she had written a collection of poetry which had been privately published. At the time of her passing, she was in the midst of assembling another collection of poems.
For many years, Ms. Massey attended St. Christopher Episcopal Church, where she was christened and confirmed. In later years, she attended St. Andrews Episcopal Church. The Rev. Mother Barbara Lewis of St. Andrews officiated the private church service replete with the Holy Eucharist for Ms. Massey. The Chapel overflowed with Ms. Massey’s friends and colleagues. Her sensitivity, her knack of friendship, a keen mind and sense of humor will be sorely missed by those fortunate to have known her. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Special gratitude is conveyed to The Rev. Mother Barbara Lewis, Ryan Casbeer, Lisa Whitlock, Kim Comer, Kathy Alvarez and Carolyn K. Farmer for their love and continued support during this difficult time.
Ms. Massey was preceded in death by her beloved and devoted grandmother, Mrs. Alice Lula Cade DuPree Foster, her grandfather, Raymond Benjamin DuPree, her aunt, DeAnna DuPree Walker and her devoted step-father, Ernest Van Nesbitt, II
Ms. Massey is survived by her beloved mother, DeEtte DuPree Nesbitt; brother, Charles Scott Nesbitt and wife, Suzanna; niece, Luna J. Nesbitt; father Marion Massey; uncle, Raymond Douglas DuPree and wife, Pam; special cousin, Michael C. Walker; special friend, William Gustav Mueller, III; numerous friends and relatives and extended family, Barbara and John Puglia.
Contributions may be made to City of Houston, BARC – Animal Shelter and Adoptions, 3200 Carr St., Houston, TX 77026 or charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com. Click Obituaries, then sign in Alice Massey.
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