Carla Danbury Ballard

Carla Danbury Ballard passed away peacefully on the 1st of October 2024, just shy of her 81st birthday. Born on the 4th October 1943, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Carla's life was defined by her passion for education, can do spirit, and her unwavering love of her family and friends.

Carla's was the first in her family to attend college, earning her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to Texas A&M, where she obtained a Ph.D. in Education, and later, she earned a law degree from the University of Houston Bates Law School—all while balancing a family and full-time career.

Her love of education showed in her professional life. Carla held positions across several school districts, educational foundations, and law firms, including Houston Community College, the Foundation for Boulder Valley Schools, and Avance Houston. Known for her roles as a fundraiser, advisor, and general counsel, she left a lasting impact on all her endeavors.

Carla was cherished by her friends for her vibrant spirit and infectious laughter. Her dinner parties were filled with love and the occasional unpredictable culinary experience, a testament to her adventurous nature. A natural do-it-yourself enthusiast, her home renovations were legendary, as was her lake house in Livingston, Texas.

Her athletic pursuits began in her youth, where she was the self-professed fastest runner in her class, and continued into adulthood with jogging, skiing, and competitive biking. An avid reader, she turned the pages of The Wall Street Journal daily, and she found solace in attending religious services at The Church of St. John the Divine in River Oaks, Houston.

Carla was predeceased by her mother, Edna Pauline Sons, and father, Carl Harding Neighbors, as well as her baby son, Dean Carl Hope, and half-brother, Paul Burns.

Carla is survived by her loving family, including her son and daughter-in-law Heidi and Michael Allen Hope of St. Louis, Missouri; daughter, Katherine Easterby Murphy of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Austin and Kellen Hope, and Everett, Alec, and Jack Easterby; and her half-sister, Patricia Littlecreek of Stanley, North Dakota.

Carla's legacy is one of passion, perseverance, and great love for those around her. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 25th of October, at The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston, where The Rev. Dr. Doug Richnow, is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the nearby Parlor.

For those unable attend the service in-person, virtual attendance may be accessed by visiting Carla’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com and selecting the “Join Livestream” icon on the service section. While there you may also share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with her family by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to Avance Houston, 4281 Dacoma Street, Houston, Texas 77092, avancehouston.org.