Nancy Marie Stover

Nancean Marie Hufford Stover (“Nancy”), 95, of Tyler, Texas, passed away on May 21, 2026, with family members at her side. She was born on January 18, 1931, in Commerce, Oklahoma, the only child of Herschel Wayne Hufford and Dorothy Marie Holden Hufford. She graduated from Commerce High School as Salutatorian where she was also head Drum Major and held leading roles in theatre productions. In 1953, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education at Central State University (University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma) and later a Master of Education in Educational Leadership at the University of Texas (Tyler). She began her career in education in 1953 teaching English and Journalism at Del City High School in Oklahoma, later becoming a sixth-grade teacher at Gary Elementary in Tyler in the fall of 1956. Nancy was a stay-at-home mother while her daughters were young, volunteering her time between school, church, her community, and as a Camp Fire Girl leader. Eventually, she resumed her role as an English teacher at Moore Junior High before moving to an administrative position for the Tyler Independent School District. Her final professional role was as an administrator (Assistant Principal) with a specialty in reading disabilities at Hubbard Middle School. After retirement, she enjoyed volunteering at Marvin Methodist Church and coordinated an after-school reading program at the Salvation Army. In late1952, she met the love of her life, A.P Stover, Jr., (“Smokey”) on a blind date. They married on May 29, 1953, and spent their first three (3) years in Norman, Oklahoma, while Smokey attended law school. In 1956 they moved to Tyler where Smokey began working for Humble Oil & Refining Co. Except for a short stint in Dallas, Smokey and Nancy remained in their beloved Tyler for the rest of their lives. Nancy was predeceased by her parents and her husband. Nancy is survived by her three daughters, Cynthia Marie Stover Miller (Dan Timofte) of Dallas, Laura Gay Stover Sasser of Houston, Susan Ann Stover (JoJo Whilden), of New York City, four grandsons James Stover Sasser, Jonathan Holden Sasser (Layla), William Porter Stover-Whilden, Ansel Oliver Stover-Whilden and one great grandson Theodore James Sasser. Other family members include Elizabeth Quimby Cohen of Houston and Samuel William Oliver, III, of New York City. Nancy was a cancer survivor for over 60 years. She will be best remembered for her quiet intelligence, patience, and kindness, as well as her shrewd bridge playing skills, a life-long passion. She was an active member and participant in many organizations centered on higher education and her community, including the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the Petroleum Wives Auxiliary of Tyler, where she served as president of both organizations, respectively, the Women’s Symphony League of Tyler, and several groups within Marvin Methodist Church, including the Pairs and Parent’s Class. In addition, Nancy enjoyed traveling the world with Smokey and spending summers and falls at their home in Taos, New Mexico. After Smokey’s passing, Nancy continued to travel with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchild to New Mexico, Caddo Lake, the Ozarks and sun-filled beaches throughout the Gulf of Mexico. We would like to express our gratitude to the Pastors of Marvin Methodist, her at-home caregivers (Right at Home), the health care professionals and friends at Atria-Copeland, the health-care professionals at Meadow Lake, and the medical staff of Christus Mother Frances, who provided Nancy with guidance and compassionate care. A graveside memorial will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery at 10:30 am on Saturday June 20, 2026. All who wish to attend are welcome. If you would like to make a memorial, please consider the American Association of University Women (AAUW - Tyler Branch), Marvin Methodist Church, the East Texas Hospice Home Place, or the charity of your choice.

Nancy Marie Stover

January 18, 1931 - May 21, 2026