Naomi was born on April 8, 1920, in Galveston, Texas to her parents, Hunter and Vernon Macon. Most of her growing up years were spent in Palestine, Texas, where she graduated from Palestine High School. Naomi then attended and graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas with a Fine Arts degree. While at Baylor she met her husband, Henry Lemuel Brotherton, Jr. (Lem). They were married until his death in 1993.
Naomi and Lem lived in many places, including Waco, Texas, Detroit, Michigan and New York, New York. When they were ready to expand their family, they moved back to Dallas, Texas. They adopted their daughter, Betty Ruth in 1956 and their son, Robert James (Bob) in 1959.
Naomi was an artist beginning at age 6 and spent her youth seeking knowledge and honing her talent for drawing and painting. After college, she was a commercial artist for 25 years. While in New York City, she attended the Art Students League and exhibited her paintings in Carnegie Hall. Watercolor was her preferred medium. Over the years, she attended workshops taught by some of the best nationally known watercolorists.
Naomi’s career as a watercolorist was long and storied. In the pursuit of learning and sketching/painting venues, she traveled across the United States, Mexico, and Europe. She taught all over the United States and Bermuda. She was a founding member of the Southwestern Watercolor Society. She also exhibited in many art shows and attained signature status in the Southwestern Watercolor Society (SWS), National Watercolor Oklahoma (NWO), Texas Watercolor Society (TWS) and Western Federation of Watercolor Societies (WFWS). Naomi founded Artisan’s Studio Gallery where she taught with her partner, Pat Kochan, until her retirement at age 99. She was a member of ArtFocusXC. A book written by Naomi and Lois Marshall, “Variations in Watercolor”, was published. Starting in her 80’s, she became afflicted with macular degeneration, but continued to paint and teach. She would not give up.
Naomi, Lem, and their family joined the Episcopal Church in the 1960’s. Her most recent church family was St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in McKinney, Texas. They were of immense comfort to her, especially in her later years when her movements became limited. Naomi’s final 2½ years were spent in a beautiful residential care home. She loved her main caregivers, Ruth and Anna. At the end of her life, she was also cared for by Holy Savior Hospice, who were very kind to her. Even in the care home she painted a little until the age of 103.
Naomi was predeceased by her parents, her husband Lem, her son Bob, and many extended family members. She is survived by her daughter, Betty Brotherton Crudden, and a few remaining extended family members. Thank you to everyone who enriched Naomi’s life over her long years.
A visitation for Naomi will be held Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, 7990 President George Bush, Dallas, TX 75252. A funeral service will occur Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 7990 President George Bush, Dallas, TX 75252. A graveside will occur Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Wheatland Cemetery, 7950 S Hampton Rd, Dallas, TX 75232.
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