Mary Fenton, 81, passed away on January 8, 2025, in Fort Davis, Texas. She was born in Washington D.C. on August 10, 1943. She is loved and is survived by her husband, Stephen O’Dell, two sisters, Susan Axtell Smith and husband, Wayne Axtell, and Kathy Keesee and husband, Craig Keesee, along with nephews, Michael Trainer and wife, Corrine Trainer, and Neil Keesee and wife, Abby Keesee, and grand nephews and nieces, Keaton and Brooke Trainer, and Fenton, Lois and Evelyn Keesee.
Mary spent her career in nursing education. She graduated from the University of Texas in Nursing and furthered her education at the University of Michigan and received a PhD from the University of Texas in Public Health. She believed in teaching nursing at an advanced level to make an important contribution to health care. She served as Dean of the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing, Director/Founder of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program for Texas Tech University, and President of the Texas Board of Nursing. In addition, she was honored as a Leader and Legend of Texas Nursing from the Texas Nursing Association, and received the Faculty Living Legend Award from the President of the UTMB System.
Her other passion was living in Fort Davis and her Peruvian Paso horses. She participated in horseshows, winning a Top Performance award with her mare, Blanca. She enjoyed other events with her horses at Fort Davis State Park and July 4th in Fort Davis. She was a member of the Texas Ladies Aside riding in the Dickens on the Strand parades in Galveston and other events.
A Celebration of Life is planned for early April in the Fort Davis area.
Memorial donations can be made to the Dr. Mary V. Fenton Endowment in the School of Nursing. UTMB, Development Office, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-0148
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at Mobile Mortician of Texas’ web site: www.mmoftexas.com
Visits: 389
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors