Coming March 2024
The Women of THREE
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Nancy Stephenson Woods
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We have all known women who formed and shaped our lives. However, these women had such an impact on us that it changed the course of who we became, who we are. This is the nature of this exhibit.
These women may or may not know that they literally changed the course of our lives. Some do and some don’t. Some have been told; others will never know. Some are recognizable to many, some to only a few. That doesn’t matter. Our tribute to them is genuine because of their impact on US. Please join THREE as we pay tribute to women who mean so much to us. Learn more about the artists that comprise THREE: Shirley Beyer: www.shirleyabeyer.com/ Brenda Bowman: www.BrendaBowmanArt.com/ Susan Salter: www.susansalterarts.com/ |
A midwife delivered Nancy Stephenson on July 2, 1933, in DeWalt, Texas. She was at least the third generation of her family to be born there. Like her grandmother and aunts, she worked in domestic service for members of the Dew family. By the 1950s, Nancy married another native-born DeWalt resident Sammie Woods (1927-2004). Their son George Wayne was born in 1952 and their daughter Debra Ann in 1954.
Ms. Nancy resided in or near that community for nearly 90 years. As a black woman born under strict racial segregation in a rural community, she experienced limited opportunities. Yet under conditions which might rightly breed resentment and discontent, Ms. Nancy created a life of contentment and grace, which she shared generously with acquaintances of all races. This exhibit not only celebrates the life of an amazing woman, but also the supporting community of other black residents. Oral history interviews provide first-hand accounts of those who succeeded against all societal odds. |