Dr. LuAnna “Lulu” Moore Stephens

Dr. LuAnna (“Lulu”) Moore Stephens, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Odessa, Texas.  She was 83 years old.  LuAnna was born on June 8, 1941, to John E. Moore and Anna Lea Duncan Moore, in Bartlett, Texas.  She moved to Taylor, Texas in 1953, where she attended school, and graduated from Taylor High School.  She was a longstanding and proud “Taylor Duck” and still has many friends and loved ones in Taylor.

“Lulu” as she was affectionately known by friends and family, was a true shining light of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She never met a stranger!  Her journey on this earth was marked by love, a humorous personality, an encouraging smile, and her faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by Lulu.

In 1965, LuAnna graduated from Baylor University, with her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, and moved to Dallas for her first teaching position. She achieved her M.Ed. in 1968 from the University of North Texas, in Guidance and Counseling and continued her education when she received her Mid-Management certification, from the University of North Texas, in 1979. LuAnna was always interested in obtaining a higher degree and in 1968, she graduated from the University of North Texas with her Masters in Education. Her shining accomplishment was in 1982, when she received her Ph.D. from the University of North Texas, in Educational Leadership Administration, while also attaining her superintendent certification. She was a true trailblazer in education!

As a long-time educator, LuAnna worked in several roles .She was called to serve DISD elementary and secondary students as a teacher, counselor, and administrator.  Her favorite role in DISD was being the principal at Bryan Adams High School in east Dallas  and the Business Magnet High School, in downtown Dallas. LuAnna’s career in education carried her to Coppell ISD, Region XI, and the Texas Education Agency, as the Director to Governor Ann Richards. Later in her career, she served in the capacity of Assistant Superintendent in Ft Stockton ISD, and Superintendent in Fabens ISD.  After leaving her role in public schools, she joined the ranks of becoming a college professor. She was an Assistant Professor at Texas Woman’s University and Angelo State University, and an Associate Professor at Lamar University. With her continued love of teaching, learning, and working with other educators, LuAnna spent time adjuncting at several other universities: Texas Christian University, University of Texas at Arlington, UTPB, Sul Ross University, University of Texas, Dallas Baptist, and Texas Wesleyan.  LuAnna loved working and would often say, “I do not want to retire because working is my life and my hobby.”   Even though she officially “retired” in 2014, she volunteered with CASA, stayed active in her churches, and followed her love of traveling.  She even spent many hours each week coaching for TexasTeachers of Tomorrow, where she offered training and support for aspiring teachers.

LuAnna held numerous leadership roles and obtained many service accomplishments during her life. She was a published author, President of Texas Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE), Executive Director for Pink Rose, recipient of the  Margaret Montgomery State Leadership Award, Cambridge Who’s Who Among Executive and Professional Women in Education, Woman of Distinction for the Permian Basin-Midland, San Angelo Education Foundation board member, and served on the Region XV Educational Service Center Advisory Board.

LuAnna raised two wonderful children, Staci and Beau. They were the light of her life. She loved attending their dance recitals, soccer and football games, swim meets, being drill team Booster Club President, and just being a mom. The day she became a grandmother was one of her happiest days.  She adored being “Lulu.”  Her three grandchildren held an incredibly special place in her heart.  She would often call, text, and e-mail them, and loved hearing about their travels, school, sports, and friends. Although she was a Baylor Bear, Lulu was often seen at many TCU games wearing purple, and yelling “Go Frogs!”  She loved attending Trinity School Midland sporting events, TCU games, traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, and eating great food. Lulu also loved her cats, Pearl, and Tux.  Lulu loved life and was always up for a fun time.  Her smile lit up a room and she he never met a stranger.

LuAnna is survived by her daughter, Staci Ann Stephens Ashley and her husband Steve Connell Ashley of Odessa, her son, “Beau” Jack Edward Stephens, Jr.and his wife Kara Tolany, of Frisco.  Her three grandchildren include Stockton Anna Ashley, Trinity Breeda Stephens, and Brendan McCoy Stephens. Other surviving members of LuAnna’s family include her sister Rosemary (Moore) Goodman of Lewisville, Texas, nieces, cousins, and special longtime friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, John E. Moore and Anna Lea Moore.

Services will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 10:00am, at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home in Midland, Texas. The burial will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025,at 10:00am, in Bartlett, Texas, at the Bartlett Cemetery,

The family would like to thank Interim Hospice for the care and comfort they provided to Lulu during the last weeks of her life.  Also, thank you to Lulu’s caretakers, Jay and Matilda for the love and care bestowed on LuLu in her home. The family would also like to extend their gratitude to Steve and Tiffany Drummond for their friendship over the years and the compassion they have for LuLu.

The family requests that memorials be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphomas Society.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com

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