Nancy Brown Negley

Born on the 31st of October 1927, in Houston, Texas, Nancy Negley was the eldest daughter of George R. Brown and Alice Pratt Brown. Nancy lived a life of passion and commitment, touching many with her generosity and open spirit.

She received an Associate’s Degree from Pine Manor College. In 1949, she married Alfred W. Negley and found herself on the A.S. Gage ranch in West Texas raising three children. Ranching was far removed from her Houston childhood, but she loved horseback riding and the cattle drives. Nancy had a capacious hunger for adventure; she enjoyed traveling, sport, wing shooting and fly-fishing. She approached life with enthusiasm and optimism. Nancy spent much of her adult life in South Texas, Maine and the South of France. In France, she pursued her passion for art, focusing on her own painting while also supporting other artists through the formation of an artist residency program. With partnership and support of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the Brown Foundation, her residency has welcomed over 300 fellows from over 25 countries.

Nancy felt service was important and gave back throughout her life. She served on many boards and committees, including The Brown Foundation: Whitney Museum of American Art; American Academy in Rome; Dia Art Foundation; Museum of Fine Arts Houston; San Antonio Museum of Art; World Monuments Fund; Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art; National Trust for Historic Preservation; Storm King Art Center; McNay Art Museum; Southwest School of Art; San Antonio Conservation Society; National Museum of the Pacific War; South Texas Property Rights Association; National Museum Services and Library Board. Nancy was the first woman to be Vice Chairman of the Texas Democratic Party. In 2011, she was recognized by the French Government with the Legion of Honor, Chevalier, for her contributions to the South of France and support of artists.

She was predeceased by her parents, the late George Rufus Brown and Alice Pratt Brown; her sisters, Maconda O'Connor and Isabel Wilson; and her daughter, Alice “Lisa” Dorn. She is survived by two children, Leslie Nelson Negley and William Walter Negley and his wife Suzette Negley; son-in-law, John Dorn; and eight grandchildren, Roxana Richardson and her husband Bruce, Alexander McAllister and his wife Caroline, Fairfax Dorn and her husband Marc Glimcher, Nancy Walker and her husband George, Holbrook Dorn and his wife Kate, Caroline Negley, Alexa Negley, and Dorsey “Gage” Negley; nine great-grandchildren, Rufus Walker, Fairfax Walker, Hutch Walker, Otis Walker, Josephine Dorn, Miles Dorn, Brook Dorn, Lillian Richardson and Gage Glimcher; and beloved cousins Louisa Sarofim and Mike Stude.

The family wishes to thank Dr. James Pool and the wonderful team of nurses and doctors who took great care of Nancy.

A Celebration of her Life for Nancy’s close friends and family is to be conducted at half-past ten o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 3rd of August, 2022 in the sanctuary of The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston, where The Rev. Reagan Cocke, Vice Rector, will officiate. Valet parking will be positioned at the east porte-cochere.

Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at a venue to be announced during the service.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to the Nancy B Negley Artists Residency Program, 2121 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056, (nbnarp.org); or to the charity of one’s choice.