Nancy Sue Fleeman Donovan passed away on August 9, 2021 at the age of 67. Nancy was born on May 21, 1954 in Big Spring, TX. Her dearest Momma and Daddy were Tommie Ray Fleeman and Helen Louise O’Daniel. She was the middle of 3 children. The family moved around during Nancy’s elementary years, eventually landing in their beloved Odessa home when she was in 2nd grade. Nancy attended Nimitz Jr High and Permian High School, graduating in 1972. She remained close with a group of these classmates throughout her life.
Nancy and Dennis married in October of 1972. This year would be their 49th wedding anniversary.
Nancy was the ultimate Mom, and she “mommed” big. She showed her love by showing up, and she loved her 4 kids and grandson with her whole being. She attended every t-ball game, soccer game, piano recital, and band concert. Anyone who knew her casually or personally knew her as one of the most amazing band moms of all time. She was involved in Band Boosters for over 20 years, staying involved beyond her youngest child’s graduation. Nancy was widely known as “Mommy Donovan” to many, many high school and jr. high kids.
After her children flew the coop, she continued to follow their musical accomplishments, attending piano concerts in beautiful halls and rock concerts in bars. She was first to arrive and last to leave, always front row with her camcorder to catch each moment. She was her kids’ biggest fan, even into their adulthood.
Beyond her Band Mom title, her family was thrilled to see her explore other passions, becoming involved in the Permian Basin Master Gardeners Association for 21 years. This is where she truly bloomed. She was very passionate about her extensive gardening projects and her fellow Master Gardener community. This became a major source of joy for her for many years. A large contribution that Nancy brought to the organization was learning web design, video production and editing to update the organization into the digital age. Not only did she love all the people she met along the way, but she also loved teaching the community about composting and vermiculture. This led her to become widely known as “The Worm Lady”, a title that she adored.
In addition to these official titles, Nancy was the first to be of service to anyone in need. If you needed help, you could always ask Nancy. She would come running with all necessary supplies in tow. She was always there to help and support in whatever capacity she could.
Nancy was one of a kind. She was strong-willed, hard headed, good as gold, giving-spirited, and loved deeply. In return, she was deeply loved by so many.
The family would like to thank the ICU staff at Covenant Hospital in Lubbock. The extreme complications brought on by COVID-19 are beyond imagination. The doctors, nurses, and staff showed the utmost respect and compassion to the family at the end of Nancy’s life here on earth.
Nancy is survived by her husband of 49 years, Dennis. Her 4 children, Tricia, Adam, Brandon, DeAnna, and daughters-in-law Nickie and Megan. Her grandson, Grant. Her brother, Dan and wife Tammy, sons Shane and Kevin. Her sister, Carole Crumley and husband John, daughters Shannon and Amanda, their husbands and children. In addition, there are a multitude of family and friends that brought tremendous support to Nancy while she fought this terrible virus. Nieces and their husbands, Peggy and Perry, Carol and Steve. Her lifetime friends Anita McDonald, Sophie Edwards, John and Shirley Kelley, Nancy and John Hamilton, Phyllis and David Heilman, Barbara and Tommy Hill, Karl Armstead, Kenny Cowan, Toni Molaire, and Roy Farris. Thank you for all of your support during these difficult weeks. We are so grateful.
Hold each other close, love each other hard, and get vaccinated.
Services will be held at Trinity Memorial Gardens Open Air Peace Chapel, 6900 US-87, Big Spring, Texas 79720 on Wednesday, August 25th at 10am. The family would like friends to be comfortable as we celebrate Nancy's life and encourages everyone to wear their favorite floral shirt or blouse.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Odessa College Nancy Donovan “Worm Lady” Memorial Scholarship fund. The scholarship will be awarded to a Horticulture student. Donations may be made to: https://secure.touchnet.net/C21184_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=259 or make a contribution by check to the Odessa College Foundation, 201 W. University Blvd, Odessa, TX 79764.
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