University Park, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Nancy Dedman, a key figure in Dallas philanthropy and matriarch of the Dedman family, died peacefully at her home in University Park. At 97, she was celebrated for her contributions to Southern Methodist University and various charitable organizations, including arts and health initiatives. Her legacy includes the Dedman Scholars Awards and a strong commitment to enhancing community services through philanthropy. A Celebration of Life will take place shortly to honor her impactful life.
University Park, Texas — Nancy Dedman, matriarch of the Dedman family and renowned philanthropist, passed away peacefully at her home in University Park, surrounded by family on October 8, 2024. She was 97 years old and is remembered as a prominent figure in Dallas society and an active supporter of various charitable causes worldwide.
Key facts
Dedman was a significant benefactor to Southern Methodist University (SMU), having supported numerous academic initiatives and establishing the Dedman Scholars Awards for promising early-career faculty members. She graduated with a degree in political science from SMU in 1950, where she was honored with Phi Beta Kappa recognition.
In the business realm, Dedman contributed to ClubCorp, the largest operator of private clubs in the world, which she co-founded with her late husband, Robert H. Dedman Sr., in 1957. She served as ClubCorp’s vice president of interior design, a role in which her attention to aesthetics shaped the company’s standards for club interiors.
Supporting details
Throughout her life, Nancy Dedman supported a wide range of causes, including health care, public charities, and the arts. Her philanthropic support extended to institutions such as the Dallas Museum of Art and the Texas Ballet Theater. She received multiple honors for her civic work, including the Annette Strauss Humanitarian Award and the SMU Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004.
Dedman was well known in social circles for her sense of style and for presence at civic and cultural events. She maintained a public profile that combined social life, philanthropy, and active participation in charitable boards and initiatives. In later years, she remained engaged in travel and learning, taking culinary classes around the world into her late years.
National figures noted her passing; expressions of condolence highlighted the joy and generosity she brought to her community. Her son, Robert “Bob” Dedman Jr., reported that her decline in health was sudden but that she had lived a fulfilling life until the end.
Arrangements and requests from the family
A Celebration of Life for Nancy Dedman will be held on October 10, 2024, at Highland Park United Methodist Church, followed by a reception at the SMU Meadows Museum. In lieu of flowers, her family encourages donations to the Crystal Charity Ball, UTSW O’Donnell Brain Institute, or the SMU North Dallas High School Scholars program.
What this means for institutions she supported
SMU and other local arts and health organizations will continue to administer programs and funds supported by the Dedman family and Nancy Dedman’s personal philanthropy. The Dedman Scholars Awards remain an active part of SMU’s efforts to support early-career faculty development.
Background
Nancy Dedman’s public life spanned several decades. After completing her degree in 1950, she and her husband launched ClubCorp in 1957, expanding a model of private club operations that grew nationally. Her work in interior design for ClubCorp reflected an early and sustained interest in how physical spaces support social and civic life. Over time she built a broad philanthropic portfolio focused on education, health care, and the arts.
Her recognition by civic organizations and universities reflected both financial support and active engagement with program development and fundraising. Awards such as the Annette Strauss Humanitarian Award and the SMU Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004 underscored her long-term impact on Dallas-area institutions.
FAQ
When did Nancy Dedman pass away?
Nancy Dedman, matriarch of the Dedman family and renowned philanthropist, passed away peacefully at her home in University Park, surrounded by family on October 8, 2024.
How old was Nancy Dedman?
She was 97 years old and is remembered as a prominent figure in Dallas society and an active supporter of various charitable causes worldwide.
What was Nancy Dedman’s connection to Southern Methodist University (SMU)?
Dedman was a significant benefactor to Southern Methodist University (SMU), having supported numerous academic initiatives and establishing the Dedman Scholars Awards for promising early-career faculty members.
What were the funeral arrangements for Nancy Dedman?
A Celebration of Life for Nancy Dedman will be held on October 10, 2024, at Highland Park United Methodist Church, followed by a reception at the SMU Meadows Museum.
How does the family prefer to receive condolences?
In lieu of flowers, her family encourages donations to the Crystal Charity Ball, UTSW O’Donnell Brain Institute, or the SMU North Dallas High School Scholars program.
Key facts at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name and role | Nancy Dedman, matriarch of the Dedman family and renowned philanthropist |
| Date of death | October 8, 2024 |
| Age | 97 years old |
| Place | Her home in University Park |
| Education | Degree in political science from SMU, 1950; Phi Beta Kappa |
| Major philanthropic focus | SMU support, health care, arts, public charities |
| Business role | Co-founder of ClubCorp (1957); vice president of interior design |
| Memorial | Celebration of Life: October 10, 2024; Highland Park United Methodist Church; reception at SMU Meadows Museum |
| Preferred memorial donations | Crystal Charity Ball; UTSW O’Donnell Brain Institute; SMU North Dallas High School Scholars program |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Dallas Faces ‘Ring by Spring’ Pressure
Trident Zoetic Expands Executive Leadership Team
Remembering Nancy McMillan Dedman, Philanthropist and Civic Leader
Additional Resources
- Dallas News: Nancy Dedman Obituary
- PaperCity: Remembering Nancy Dedman
- Legacy: Nancy Dedman Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nancy Dedman
- Google Search: Nancy Dedman
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
