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Nellie ConnallyFirst Lady of Texas from 1963 to 1969
Date of Birth: 24.02.1919
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Marriage and Family
- The Assassination of JFK
- First Lady of Texas
- Professional Accomplishments
- Legacy and Death
Early Life and Education
Nellie Connally was born in Austin, Texas, as the eldest of five children. She attended the University of Texas at Austin before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley in 1937. It was during her studies at Berkeley that she met her future husband, John Connally.
Marriage and Family
On December 21, 1940, Nellie and John Connally were married. Together, they had four children: Kathleen, John B., Sharon, and Mark. Nellie and her husband were passengers in the presidential limousine carrying President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, when he was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.
The Assassination of JFK
In a tragic turn of events, Nellie witnessed the assassination of President Kennedy firsthand from the presidential limousine. In her 2003 book, "From Love Field: Our Final Hours with John F. Kennedy," she shared her personal account of that fateful day, detailing her belief that her husband had been injured by fragments of the bullet that had struck Kennedy.
First Lady of Texas
Following her husband's election as Governor of Texas, Nellie assumed the role of First Lady from 1963 to 1969. During her time as First Lady, she actively supported charitable organizations, including the Children's Miracle Network Telethon for Hermann Children's Hospital.
Professional Accomplishments
After her husband became United States Secretary of the Treasury, Nellie continued to make significant contributions to society. She served on the Board of Visitors for the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center from 1984 onwards, and a fund named in her honor has raised millions of dollars for patient research programs. She was later recognized as a Woman of Distinction by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.
Legacy and Death
Nellie Connally passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 1, 2006, at the age of 87. She was laid to rest at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin. Nellie's legacy lives on through her humanitarian work and her unwavering support for the people of Texas.
