Obituary of Lora Nell Bruce

Lora Nell Bruce passed away on August 12, 2019 at the age of 86. She was born on a farm near the tiny West Texas town of Inadale during the Great Depression. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lola Jean and W. H. Jean; sister, Norma Nunn; and her infant son, Brad Bruce. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Merlyn Bruce; daughters, Debra Bruce and Charla Bruce; son-in-law, Jim Broughton; and grandson, Brandon Green; as well as nephews and nieces, Thomas “Sandy” Nunn, Larry “Rusty” Nunn and wife, Vicky Nunn, Susan Spear, Rodger Bruce and wife, Carla Bruce, and Helen Ireland.

Lora grew up in an era when options were limited for women. She said her mother was always excited to vote because women didn’t have the right to vote when she was growing up. It was still uncommon for women in West Texas to go to college, so it was an accomplishment for her to attend Tarleton State College and then to graduate from Texas Tech University with a degree in Business Administration. She always said she wanted her girls to grow up to think for themselves. She got her wish, but probably regretted it at times.

Over her lifetime she worked for Schlumberger, was a homemaker and excellent seamstress, reupholstered furniture like a professional, owned and ran an employment service, and volunteered at St. Philips United Methodist Church, Southwest Area Ministry and the Houston Foodbank. She also enjoyed reading, yoga, playing bridge, hearts and 42, and watching Astros baseball.

The family is grateful to the many caregivers at The Forum at Memorial Woods, where she and Merlyn moved after their home was flooded by Hurricane Harvey. We are touched by the way people there came to know her, care about her and watch over her. Over the last couple of years, she resided in the Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Memory Care facilities there.

A memorial service will be held at St. Philip’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Beechnut St., Houston, TX 77096, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2019. The family will receive friends in the Church fellowship hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St. Philip’s United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.