Nancy Kay Dunlap was born on February 1, 1950 in Stillwater, OK. Nancy was the oldest child of Katherine and Marion “Pete” Bateman and sister to Mary Rylander, Pete Bateman, and John Bateman. She married the love of her life, James Spencer Dunlap, on June 1, 1974. Together they raised four beautiful children: Scott, Kelly, Lori, and Traci. She shared an unbreakable bond with her only grandchild, Cooper Smith, who called her “Sugar”.A graduate and dedicated fan of the University of Texas, Nancy used her talents and passion for reading to help students in the reading recovery program in Texas public schools for over 20 years. Most recently, she retired from DeZavala Elementary, her “DZ Family”, where her dedication and love for children still stands.How much you are missed! Our hearts ache for more time with you. Your touch, your love, and your comforting words have impacted our lives tremendously. You are our rock, our anchor, and our foundation. The times you listened without judgment, the love you gave with no end, the dedication to your family has no equal, and none of these can be replaced. You were a confidant to many and had a deep love for all animals.We will carry on with your love and kindness always inside us. Because of you, we have grown, we are stronger, and we stand together. We will strive to be the loving person that you always were. Thank you for the impact you have had on our lives. Say “hello” to Granny for us. We love you!Nancy is preceded in death by her mother, Katherine Bateman. She is survived by son in law, Shane Smith; sister in law, Kelley Bateman; brother in law, Rick Rylander; lifelong friend, Nancy Cotham Armes; in-laws Dick and Angie Morrison, in-laws Jimmy and Ann Helm, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to:•\tLeukemia & Lymphoma Society, North Texas Chapter, Baylor University Medical Center, 3410 Worth St., Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75246•\tLone Star Animal Sanctuary, PO Box 50426, Midland, TX, 79710•\tMidland Children’s Rehabilitation Center, 802 Ventura, Midland, TX 79705•\tMISD Education Fund, PO Box 73, Midland, TX 79702Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Macky Pitts officiating.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
