Nancy Eskridge Cloyes

Nancy Eskridge Cloyes, age 84, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2023. She was born April 3, 1939 in the Panama Canal Zone to Colonel Ladson Green Eskridge and wife Agnes. Nancy is survived by her son David Newman of Katy, Texas and cousins Randolph Frank and family of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Dean Walburn and family of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Mollie Partridge and family of Newberry, South Carolina and Frank Partridge, Jr. and family of Newberry, South Carolina.

Nancy’s father was a B-17 pilot during World War II and later became Base Commander at Itazuke Air Force base in Japan and Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado. He was also one of the founding Commanders of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Nancy graduated high school from Itazuke High School in Japan. Upon returning to the States, Nancy continued her education and graduated from Colorado State University.

She later met and married John Jordan Newman of Alabama and later had her greatest joy, their son David Newman. They shared many happy years together but sadly in 1980 their marriage ended.

In 1974 after moving to Houston, Texas Nancy began her 40+ year career in Spring Branch ISD as an elementary teacher. She later became a Reading Recovery and Dyslexia Specialist for Primary and Secondary students. Nancy loved children and teaching them skills to help them excel. There are untold numbers of children and fellow teachers who Nancy helped both knowingly and anonymously with school supplies, clothing, food, etc. She loved helping those that were in need. She loved instilling in children and other teachers confidence, teaching them that they could do anything and achieve anything they put their hearts and minds to. Nancy was still teaching when she suffered her first stroke in 2012 which made it impossible for her to return to the career she loved.

In 1983 Nancy met and married Colonel John Cloyes and were married until his death in 2018. They were both very active and involved at Second Baptist Church of Houston. They loved their Bible Study classes and the many friends they came to know through the years. But most importantly, they loved the Lord.

Following her stroke Nancy continued the next 11 years impacting those who crossed her path. Her spirit of love and compassion never changed.

There will be a private internment at Forest Park Cemetery Southwest.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Second Baptist West Campus, 19449 Katy Freeway, Houston. A reception will follow. All are invited.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Second Baptist Church – Second Loves Kids – Beach Retreat. This fund scholarships students to attend the summer Beach Retreats which Nancy loved and supported.

Donations to this fund can be sent to Second Baptist Church 6400 Woodway Houston, Texas 77057. Please write on check: Second Loves Kids-Beach Retreat.