Nancy Jean Wood

Nancy was born on November 27, 1948, in Fort Davis, Texas to Tom and Elta Redford. The youngest of four children, Nancy spent her childhood on ranches across Far West Texas and in Hamilton, Texas where she attended high school. She lovingly doted on her nieces and nephew during her childhood years and spent most of her time outside helping her father with ranching chores or inside helping her mother cook and clean for their large family. During her youth, Nancy developed a love for horses, she loved their majestic beauty and their mischievous but loyal spirits. Nancy’s childhood instilled strong family and agricultural values that she maintained with pride for her entire life.

Nancy started college at Howard Payne University where she was crowned Miss Congeniality in the Miss Howard Payne pageant. In search of new opportunities and experiences, she decided to transfer to a bigger pond after driving to Lubbock and seeing Texas Tech University. Although she hated the wind and dust, Nancy truly enjoyed her time at Texas Tech.

After college, Nancy became a stewardess for Braniff International Airways based out of Dallas, Texas. She enjoyed the glamour of the then-elite sisterhood of stewardesses who were taught perfect posture, poise and eloquence while donning Italian-designed Emilio Pucci uniforms and travelling across the world. Eventually, her love and passion for Texas grew too strong, and she decided to move back to her roots in Far West Texas.

Nancy met a witty, larger than life rancher named Tommy D. Wood at the Thunderbird Restaurant in Marfa and knew immediately that she had met the love of her life. In 1988, their daughter Karen was born. Nancy was the greatest mother, always helping Karen with whatever grand scheme she came up with. Even though Nancy was not fond of games herself, she adored her daughter and always agreed to play whatever elaborate game Karen desired for hours on end.

Nancy enjoyed taking care of Karen and Tommy D. and loved their life in Marfa. She was drawn to the uniqueness of Marfa, the beauty of Far West Texas, and what seemed like the last frontier. She often accompanied her sister, June, in her photography adventures of the Big Bend area and those times together created some of Nancy’s fondest memories and stories that will be told for years to come.

She lovingly cared for Tommy D. until his death in 2012. In more recent years, she was often seen around Marfa walking her beautiful white Australian Shepherd and friend, Coffey. In 2019, Nancy’s first grandson, Thomas, was born. Jack and Samuel came shortly thereafter, and she could not have been prouder of those three boys.

Nancy moved to Austin for the last year of her life and fought a courageous battle against cancer. During this year she spent valuable time with all whom she loved. Although the year was not easy, it was a blessing for everyone to be together.

It is difficult to express the loss we feel upon Nancy’s passing. She was the most loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be remembered for her kind nature, unique humor, lover of all things beautiful, and devotion to her family.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy D. Wood, her parents, Tom and Elta Redford, and her brothers Tommy and Sam Redford.

Nancy leaves behind her daughter Karen, her son-in-law Alec, grandsons Thomas, Jack and Samuel, her sister June and husband Larry, her beloved nieces and nephew who were by her side during this last year Kathy, Sandy, Cindy, Debbi, Clay, and many more nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 22 at the Caswell House, located at 1404 West Ave, Austin, Texas. Everyone is invited to attend and share their memories of Nancy. A reception will follow at the same address. Nancy will be buried in Marfa on Monday, November 24th at 10 a.m. at the Marfa Cemetery.