In memoriam: Nadean Finch Hampton

As the sun rose on Saturday, July 15, 2023, we lost a bright star from our constellation. After a valiant struggle with a cruel, debilitating illness of many years, Nadean "Deanie" Finch Hampton slipped away peacefully.

Deanie Hampton was born Nadean Louise Finch in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on March 14, 1944 to Lehman Finch and Mary Louise Himmelberger. Charles Himmelberger, her BoPo, walked her to the duck pond at Capaha Park every day at 5 years old, giving her a lifetime remembrance of unconditional love. Katie Bolen, a beloved mother figure, cared warmly for her and her brother, Charles, throughout their childhood, along with Major, her protective boxer.

She attended Central High School for three years, where she was a cheerleader, majorette and participated in the choir, flag-twirling, newspaper, Quill and Scroll Society and National Honor Society, received the American Legion School Award and attained a Curved Bar in Girl Scouts. But perhaps nothing left a more enduring legacy than her blue Ford convertible being filled with feathers by her girlfriends. She spent her senior year at the Graham-Eckes School in Palm Beach, Florida, where she graduated at the top of her class. She then earned a BA with honors in Economics from Sweet Briar College in Virginia, where she met, fell in love with, and married Tom Hampton in 1965.

After moving to Dallas, Texas, she attended IBM school and became a scientific computer programmer for the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company. She later worked as an accountant for Wells Fargo Bank and at the original Container Store. She was an American Red Cross volunteer, Campfire, Inc. leader, Cub Scout leader, Dallas Zoo volunteer and PTA member for 12 years, holding many offices including president. From 1990 to 1994, she volunteered with Save the Children's after-school and summer programs, and also served as president and auxiliary member. At Grace United Methodist Church she was a member, committee chairperson and Administrative Council chairperson. She was a lover of theater, dance, art, music and books. She had a wonderful eye for photography and design, a great sense of fashion, and she especially enjoyed celebrating the holidays with her siblings and extended family back in Cape Girardeau.

In her own words:

"What is the meaning of life? Some people would say it is love. Love of spouse, love of family, love of friends, love of country and love of God. Douglas Adams says the meaning of life is 42. I would say that this answer is just about as good as any of the other spiritual, philosophical or religious answers that one could give, but here is mine:

Life's meaning is loving, is sharing, is always reaching forward and looking back, is doing all these things and remembering why we are who we are.

To touch a faithful pet, an old friend, a baby's hand/

to hear an old song, the wind in the trees, the roar of the surf/

to see a rainbow, the full moon, a newborn grandchild, the morning mist/

to taste an excellent meal, to smell freshly mowed grass, the piney woods, hay bales.

My most precious gifts were my two children, Tom and Julie, and my dearest husband, Tom, and my wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were my life.

My beloved dogs gave me solace and often companionship: Ringo, Strider, Albert, Nick, Jake, Jazzy, and my independent cats who were not as independent as they thought they were: Mama Cat, Fat Albert, Watergate, Snoozy, Uncle Sam and Bella."

Deanie is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Dr. Bouchie (aka Tom Hampton, M.D.), her loving children Tom Hampton (Maria) and Julie Hughes (Michael), her five grandchildren, Maggie, Ivy, Gracie, Owen and Olivia, and her four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Charles Finch (Linda), Danny Finch (Sally), Christie Finch, and Jan Finch. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers William Finch and Jonathan Finch. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 4105 Junius, Dallas, TX 75246.

A memorial service will be planned in Dallas in early October and all who knew her will be welcomed.