In Memoriam
Julie Reynolds, ASID
It is with heavy hearts that we report that longtime and distinguished ASID member Julie Reynolds of Dallas passed away on October 12, 2023 with her husband Don and sons David and Chris by her side. The family held a private service.
Over the last few decades, Julie devoted a great deal of time and energy to ASID, the Texas Association for Interior Design (TAID), and the interior design profession overall. She served as 2009-2011 TAID President before serving as ASID Texas Chapter President for the 2018-2019 term.
She was passionate about continuing education and career excellence, which led her to mentor NCIDQ Exam test takers, write CEUs, and review CEU submittals while serving on ASID’s national education committee. Besides educating her fellow designers and her clients, she also lived by example when it came to issues of sustainability and accessibility.
Julie was also an enthusiastic supporter of interior design education and legislation and recognized the value of interior design registration. She testified during the 2012 Texas Session before the Sunset staff members who were gathering information prior to making recommendations to the Sunset Committee. She also testified before the Texas Business and Commerce Committee regarding liens for Registered Interior Designers.
Her contributions were many, and in 2013 she was recognized for her vast service with an ASID Medalist Award. She will be missed.
Linda Steinberg, ASID
We are heartbroken to report that longtime member Linda Steinberg passed away on December 25, 2020, at the age of 75 after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. During her successful interior design career, Linda gave back by serving as President of the ASID Texas Chapter from 1999-2000. She also chaired the Dallas Association (now known as the Dallas Design Community) and served on many ASID committees. Linda was also very active within the Dallas Jewish community. In all social circles, she was loved and respected.
Linda's internment was at Sparkman Hillcrest cemetery in Dallas on December 28, and a virtual memorial service was held on December 29. Linda's family thanks those wishing to honor her memory with a charitable contribution of any kind.
Find an obituary HERE.
Floyd Davenport, ASID
We are sad to report that a longtime member has left us. Floyd Davenport of Flower Mound in the DFW area passed away November 5, 2019. Floyd practiced interior design for 50 years, was an ASID member from the Society’s beginnings in 1975, and he actively promoted the industry as Vice President of the Texas Chapter as, well as many other chapter offices.
In memory of his late wife, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association. Floyd's service will be held at Highland Oaks Church of Christ [10805 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas]. After the celebration of Floyd's life, there will be a gathering in the Fellowship Hall to greet the family.
Find an obituary HERE.
Ornella Ellard, Allied ASID
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Ornella Ellard who died alongside her husband and two children when the small plane they were riding in crashed into a hangar after takeoff at Addison Airport on Sunday, June 30, 2019. A total of 10 people perished in the crash.
Ornella was a Dallas-based Architect and Interior Designer. She was born and raised in Italy where she earned a Master's Degree in Architecture at Federico II University in Napoli and specialized in restoration of frescos and stuccos, alternating her work as an architect with fascinating stints as an art restorer. After living in New York City for six years, Ornella moved to Dallas in 2007 where she offered her clients a wide range of options always stemming from their personalities and wishes through her firm, ELLA Design.
Find an obituary for the entire family HERE.
Arlis Ede, FASID
Arlis Elwood Ede died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, April 25th at the age of 92, surrounded by family.
Arlis served in the United States Air Force for 2 and one half years during World War II and a year during the Korean conflict. After graduating from the Art Institute of Chicago with a degree in Interior Design, he moved to Dallas in 1952. He worked for Adleta Showcase Company, Joe Lambert, and George Dahl Architecture before opening his own firm Arlis Ede Interiors Inc. where he created commercial and residential Interior Design projects.
Arlis was active in the Interior Design professional organization ASID where he served as Texas Chapter President, on the National Board and as Regional Vice President. He was an ASID Fellow. Arlis was also active in Interior Design education serving on various committees of FIDER (the accrediting body for schools of Interior Design) and served on the FIDER’s board.
Learn more about Arlis, leave a condolence, and/or send flowers HERE.
Nancy Newbern, ASID
Nancy Karen Newbern passed away January 23, 2018 of cancer at only 69. Nancy's lively spark was noticed by all. She was a talented artist, mother to Cashan and Chandler, admired for her innovative designs and remarkable beauty, inside and out.
Throughout her life and in countless ways, Nancy was a gifted interior designer who created fine works of art and innovative products. Through her company, Rare Assets, Nancy completed commercial and residentail interior design projects and also created her own furniture line.
Over four decades, Nancy made important contributions to the interior design community of Dallas. She was awarded at least one ASID Dallas Design Community Design Ovation award and was a founding member of the Dallas Interior Designer’s Association, which members describe as a type of design sorority where designers share experience and contacts to increase the visibility and bottom line for all involved.
Nancy's life will be celebrated February 10, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Faith Hospice [12477 Merit Dr., Dallas, TX 75251].
Linda Davis, ASID
Linda Kay Crume Davis passed away peacefully September 7, 2017 at the age of 64 after a short battle with cancer.
Linda earned both a degree in Art Education and Interior Design from the University of Texas. A long-time member of ASID, she worked as a Senior Interior Designer for Patti Riley-Brown, Inc. for fifteen years enhancing homes with her personal and professional sense of style. She completed design projects with John Williams Interiors and Copenhagen Imports, working with her clients up until just days before her death.
Linda’s Celebration of Life was held October 7, 2017 from 11am-1pm at the Club House of Le Montreaux Concierge Community at 3605 Steck Avenue in Austin.
CLICK HERE to read more about Linda.
Beverly Field, ASID
Beverly Field, 88, died in her sleep on October 26, 2016.
Field was one of Dallas’ best-known and most beloved interior designers, and her designs were featured on the covers of such national magazines as Veranda and Southern Living.
Beverly Field’s family will host her memorial service at 10:30 a.m., Nov. 12, at Cochran Chapel United Methodist Church, 9027 Midway Road in Dallas.
CLICK HERE to read a story about Field from the Dallas Morning News.
Jane Gardner, ASID
Jane Gardner, 88, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2016, after a struggle with liver cancer.
Jane worked for a Dallas architectural firm for many years. In the early 80’s, Jane and her husband Jim opened one of the first furniture design shops in Dallas until finally retiring in 2009. She loved to travel, cook, spend time in her garden and was an active member of ASID and Brookhaven Garden Club.
A private open house memorial was held for friends and family privately. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the American Cancer Society.
CLICK HERE to read her obituary.
Jerry Goebel, ASID
Jerry Goebel, 67, who served as President of the ASID Texas Chapter from 2000-2001, passed away suddenly Friday, June 3, 2016, in Amarillo.
Jerry was a kind soul who served ASID, the interior design profession, and the Amarillo community well. At the time of his death he was the Board President of Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
A Celebration of Life for Jerry will take place on Friday, June 10, 2016, at 2pm at Griggs-Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors [5400 S. Bell St, Amarillo, TX 79109 | 806-358-0441].
CLICK HERE to read the obituary.
Robert Preston Henry, ASID
Robert Preston Henry, 85, an ASID Life Member who served as President of the ASID Texas Chapter from 1993-1994, passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2016.
Robert was a talented interior designer and a dedicated member of ASID, serving again on the ASID Texas Chapter Board in the mid-2000s as Financial Director. His dear wife, Alice, often accompanied him to Dallas and Texas Chapter events. Robert will be greatly missed by ASID members and beyond.
Memorial services are as follows:
* Monday, January 11th, 2 pm @ South Main Church of Christ in Weatherford, TX (201 South Main St, Weatherford, TX 76086)
* Tuesday, January 12th, 3 pm @ Skillman Church of Christ in Dallas, TX (3014 Skillman St, Dallas, TX 75206)
CLICK HERE to read the obituary.
Concepción “Connie” Guerrero Gonzales
Concepción “Connie” Guerrero Gonzales, the dear father of Rosemarie René, ASID, who served as President of the ASID Texas Chapter (2007-2008) and who has been a dedicated supporter of ASID for years, passed away Monday, February 17, 2014, at the age of 86. Rosary will be held at 10:00am Monday, March 3, 2014, followed by Memorial Services/Mass starting at 10:30am at Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Church of Irving [2330 Cheyenne St, Irving, TX 75062] with military honors following the services. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project: woundedwarriorproject.org. GO HERE to read the obituary.
Phyllis Jo Hoge, ASID
We are very sad to report that interior designer and long-time ASID member Phyllis Jo Hoge passed away Thursday, October 3, 2013 in Dallas. She was a graduate of the New York School of Interior Design, a Registered Interior Designer in the State of Texas, and an officer in the Interior Design Guild of Dallas. To read her full obituary, please GO HERE.
Memorial services will take place Thursday, October 17, at 4:00 pm at the First Unitarian Church of Dallas [4015 Normandy Ave, Dallas, Texas 75205] with reception following in Channing Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
Women’s Day Alliance Projects
c/o First United Unitarian Church
4015 Normandy Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75205
Orville V. D. Carr, FASID
It is with heavy hearts that we report that interior designer and long-time ASID member Orville V. D. Carr of San Antonio passed away Friday, January 11, 2013 at the age of 94. Orville was an ASID Fellow, the highest honor that ASID bestows on its members. A Celebration of Life for Orville will be held at The San Antonio Museum of Art on February 7, 2013, at 6:00 PM.
GO HERE to sign an online guest book.
Cards can be mailed to:
Orville Carr and Associates
8015 Broadway Street
San Antonio, Texas 78209
Wayne Schiska
Wayne Schiska, the beloved husband of ASID Member Joyce Schiska, Allied ASID, RID passed away July 4, 2012. A private family service was held at Restland Funeral Home on July 7, 2012, and Joyce later held a Celebration of Life for him that many interior designers, clients, friends, and family attended. Featured was a photographic exhibit of his early black and white photographs when he was a still photographer in Chicago, as well as color photographs taken during the last 10 years of his life after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The exhibit was at The Continental Gin Building in Deep Ellum in November.
Memorials may be made to Friend’s Place, an Alzheimer’s Day Center [1960 Nantucket Road, Richardson, Texas 75080] or The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Dallas [4144 North Central Expressway #150, Dallas, Texas 75204].
Willie Henry
Willie “Nonnie” Delila Henry, the dear mother of ASID Life Member Robert Preston Henry, ASID, who served as Financial Director of the ASID Texas Chapter (2005-2007) and who has been a dedicated supporter of ASID, passed away Monday, August 27, 2012, after an amazingly long life of 107 years. Funeral services will be held 11am on Saturday, September 1, 2012, in the Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Chapel in Weatherford. GO HERE to access her obituary. In lieu of flowers, her memory may be honored with a gift to Bread for a Hungry World, 6250 NE Loop 820, North Richland Hills, Texas 76180.
Megan Greggerson
We were saddened to learn that Megan Greggerson, the beloved sister of El Paso Design Community Financial Chair Emily Greggerson, passed away Thursday, August 16, 2012, after a short illness. If you would like to send a card to Emily to express your condolences, you can reach her here:
Emily Greggerson
200 N. Festival, Apt. 710
El Paso, TX 79912
To read Megan’s obituary, please GO HERE.
Sandra Herbster
We are very sad to report that interior designer and long-time ASID member Sandra Herbster passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2012 in San Antonio. Sandra served as San Antonio Design Community Chair during the 2005-2006 leadership year, and she was a fixture in the San Antonio community. To read Sandra’s obituary, please GO HERE.
Memorial services will take place Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 10am at First Presbyterian Church [404 Alamo, San Antonio, TX 78205].
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
National Jewish Medical and Research Center
1400 Jackson St.
Denver, CO 80206
James Frederick Williams, AIA
Architect Emeritus James Frederick “Fred” Williams, AIA, the dear husband for 27 years of M. Robbins “Robin” Black, ASID, who served as President of the ASID Texas Chapter (2005-2006), passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 7, 2012, after a prolonged battle with cancer. A memorial service for family and friends will be held in his honor on Sunday, April 29 in San Antonio. GO HERE to access Fred’s obituary. Letters of encouragement can be sent to Robin at 102 Downing, San Antonio, Texas 78209.
Kathy Hammond
We are heartbroken to report that we have lost a very important member of our ASID community: Kathy Hammond. After quietly and bravely battling breast cancer, she peacefully succumbed on the morning of Wednesday, March 7, 2012.
Kathy was a very active ASID Industry Partner Representative from Walker Zanger in Dallas. While serving as Financial Director for the Dallas Design Community, she generously stepped up when asked to fill in for a resigning Communications Director on the Texas Chapter Board, serving almost half a term. Immediately afterwards, she took on the task of serving as the Texas Chapter’s Financial Director from 2009 to 2011. At the time of her passing, she was still a very active member of the Dallas Design Community Board, as well as the Co-Chair Elect for METROCON Expo & Conference.
Kathy will be remembered for her gracious personality, great sense of humor, professionalism and ultimate sweetness. Kathy faced all of her adversities with strength, determination and courage. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and worked with her. To access Kathy’s obituary from the Dallas Morning News, please GO HERE (web link).
Memorial services will take place Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 3pm at Christ United Methodist Church [3101 Coit Road, Plano, 75075 – southwest corner of Parker Road and Coit Road | (972) 596-4303].
A scholarship fund has been set up in Kathy’s name, and all donations will be used for interior design student scholarships. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made directly to:
Kathy Parr Hammond Scholarship Fund
c/o Jim Habern, Sr. VP
Prosperity Bank
2012 Midway Road
Plano, TX 75093
Lastly, Kathy is survived by her beloved cat, Tabitha, who is a very well behaved, healthy, 15-year-old feline accustomed to much love and affection. We are currently looking for a loving home for Tabitha. Due to her age and her life in a single-animal household, Kathy wanted her to go to a home with no dogs or children and preferably with either no cats or a very submissive cat. To see photos of Tabitha, please GO HERE. If you or someone you know would be interested in adopting Tabitha, please contact Chapter Administrator, Pat Gallagher: txasid@airmail.net.
Ellen Angell, FASID
On June 27, 2010, Bettie Ellen Angell (83) passed away. She was an accomplished interior designer who lived and worked in Corpus Christi for many years, most recently with the Susan Castor Collection. Extremely active in ASID throughout the last four decades, she inspired many members and devoted countless hours to the organization, earning the title of Fellow of ASID. Ellen was an amazing bundle of energy who embraced life and loved her profession, and she will be terribly missed by family, friends and colleagues.
Marian McKeever Millican
On January 13, 2010, Marian McKeever Millican, lost her long battle with cancer. A beacon of light to everyone she met, she was an ASID Chapter Medalist, served on the ASID Texas Chapter Board of Directors from 1988-91 and again in 1993. Marian had been Associate Professor of Architecture at UTA and taught at TCU for many years. She was given the 2006 Texas Star Achievement Award by the Greater Ft Worth Commercial Real Estate Woman’s Network and was an honorary member of the Texas Society of Architects. She also served on the Heritage Trails Task Force, and served on the Streams & Valleys, Inc. Executive Committee, which benefits Mayfest and the Trinity River. Her husband, Kirk, and her son, Carter, have been helping her fight cancer for over 11 years. Even in her last months she had the most positive of spirits. You can read more about her accomplished life in her UTA bio and in her obituary.
Stacy Barnett, Student ASID
The Texas Chapter would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the family of Stacy Barnett, Student ASID, 22. Stacy, a recent interior design graduate from the University of Texas in Austin and a member of the program’s ASID Student Chapter, suffered an untimely death on Tuesday, June 21, 2009. UT ASID Student Chapter 2008-2009 President, Kendra Horn, Student Member ASID, stated, “She was an amazing person. She was always smiling and always in a good mood and really fun to hang out with.” She will be missed.
Donna Fowler, ASID
Donna McCarty Fowler, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2009, in Abilene following a sudden illness. Her vibrant love of life, family and friends was contagious. Her outward beauty mirrored the inward beauty of her flamboyant , free-spirited personality, bringing a joyful response to all who knew her.
Donna graduated in 1977 with a degree in interior design from the University of Texas. She returned to Abilene to work with Tittle, Luther, Loving Interiors, and never cutting her ties with Tittle Luther Partnership, later opened her own business, Donna Fowler Design.
Donna was a Texas Registered Interior Designer. She served the Abilene Association of ASID in leadership roles for many years, and the Texas Chapter of ASID as a board member and treasurer. Donna enjoyed an impressive career making a profound impact on interior design through her many years of fulfilling the dreams of her clients. Donna’s designs can be seen at Abilene Christian University; the Williams Performing Arts Center; the Bob Hunter Welcome Center; Hendrick Medical Center; Cisco Junior College; Hardin-Simmons University; The Tommy Morris Agency; and numerous homes and offices in Abilene and the surrounding area.
Her clients soon became her friends, and Donna worked at all of her friendships. A card or note meant so much more than an e-mail, and a hug meant so much more than a handshake. Her spirit will be missed in this world by her husband, family and many friends.
A memorial fund has been established to honor Donna’s many years of service and friendship to the interior design community and especially to the interior design program at Abilene Christian University. Memorial donations may be mailed to:
Kitty Wasemiller, ASID
Abilene Christian University
Donna Fowler, ASID Memorial Fund
ACU Box 27987
Abilene, TX 79699-7897
Amy Partner Yager, Student ASID
Please join the Texas Chapter of ASID to offer its heartfelt condolences to the family of Amy Partner Yager, Student ASID, 26. Amy suffered an untimely death on September 12, 2008 in Amarillo. Amy was enrolled in the interior design program at Amarillo College, but was transferring to West Texas A&M University in Canyon to purse a business degree. Originally from Virginia, Amy had served three years in the U.S. Navy as a petty officer pursuing a career as an EOD diver and underwater welder, but a hip injury led to her honorable medical discharge. We mourn her premature death and wish peace for her family.
A memorial fund has been established to honor Amy. Memorial donations may be mailed to:
Kathy Dowdy
The Amarillo Foundation
Amy Yager Memorial Scholarship
PO Box 447
Amarillo, TX 79178