Lynette Mason Gregg

Gregg 10-2014January 8, 1950 – October 24, 2014
Lynette Mason Gregg made her transition on Friday, October 24, 2014, after a battle with lung disease.
She is survived by her husband Dick Gregg, Jr. and children Vanessa Handrick Garner (Grey), Dick Gregg, III, Chris Gregg, Heather O’Donnell, Mark O’Donnell (Cindy) and Grandchildren William Mason Garner, Hattie Grey Garner, Parker Gregg, Will Gregg, Casey Gregg, Emma Gregg, Bradley O’Donnell and Whitley O’Donnell. Sister Kathy Mason Fisher (Tom), brothers in law, Dr. Clark Gregg (Susie) and Dr. Parker Gregg (Penny), nieces and nephews Damon Spinks, Dustin Spinks, Dr. Devin Spinks, Chelsea Fisher Burns, Katharine Gregg, Clark Gregg, Jr., Dorothy Gregg, Parker Gregg , Shannon Gregg Hillegeist and Dr. James Gregg and her beloved cats and birds, Oliver, Demi-Socks, Gretel, Hedda, Scarlett, Quattro & Helen.
She is preceded in death by her first husband, William P. Handrick, her father, James Wilton Mason, her mother, Helen Dorothy Mason, her stepfather, Felix Charles Guetzow and her mother-in-law, Katharine Parker Gregg Belton.
Ms. Lynette was born and raised in Deer Park, Texas and graduated from Deer Park High School where she was the feature twirler. She lived in Turkey, Japan and Washington, D.C. after graduation where she taught dance.
Ms. Lynette’s life work and passion was the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre, founded in 1972 and 1975, respectively, with a desire to establish a professional training facility for aspiring dancers and to enrich the overall atmosphere of the community. She devoted her life to these two organizations and the training and inspiring of young dancers, now three generations strong. The sky was the limit with Ms. Lynette; she knew that if you could dream it, you could achieve it. Her favorite quote was “Never, Ever, Ever, Give Up”. A visionary that did nothing in moderation, Ms. Lynette was passionate about the arts and inspiring young artists.
Ms. Lynette produced 39 seasons and hundreds of ballets for BAHBT and brought in dancers from all over the world to Bay Area Houston as guest artists.
Ms. Lynette loved politics and world events and encouraged her students to participate in the civic process by taking them to vote when they turned 18. She was very involved in women’s rights organizations and the feminist movement of the 1970’s.
Ms. Lynette served for three consecutive years as President of the Regional Dance America Southwest regional board. In addition to her regional presidential duties, Ms. Lynette also served on the RDA national board. She formerly served as the Gulf Coast Regional Director to the Texas Assembly of Arts Councils and developed a ballet curriculum for San Jacinto College District where she served on the faculty for two years. In 1981, Ms. Lynette was Named Outstanding Citizen of Deer Park by the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Lynette is a member of the American Business Professional Women’s Association (ABPW). She founded the BAHBT Scholarship Committee in 1978, which raises money to send students to New York City each summer to study dance and receive cultural enrichment. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Deer Park, where her parents were founding members, and Unity Church of Christianity in Houston.
She was a mentor, teacher and inspiration to so many. She will be greatly missed, but the show will go on and her legacy will live on at RAFA & BAHBT.
The family would like to thank the team at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston and her long time friend Judy Harper for their care and guidance. A Celebration of Ms. Lynette’s Life will take place on Wednesday October 29th, 2014 at 10AM at Unity of Houston – 2929 Unity Drive, Houston, TX 77057. The service will take place in the sanctuary with a reception in the pyramid immediately following.

10 comments

  1. She was a candle that burned bright and constantly and often at both ends. Her life was too short in years, but in productive hours and lives touched she outlived us all. Ms. Lynette was like Dr. Suess to the thousands she inspired and uplifted ~ an iconic part of childhood. She is unforgettable and irreplaceable and her legacy immeasurable.

    Nari
  2. Rest in Peace Lynette Mason Gregg. You helped me find grace in my movements, confidence in my being, and joy in my step from an early age! You helped me find my best! My Mama loved you and believed in you when you took a small dance studio in a strip center, created a dance company, and developed talented, beautiful dancers! What a wonderful legacy you leave us! Our hearts are broken but our lives are full and so very special because you were our teacher.

    Cindy Caudle-Dean
  3. We were teenage girls together, and as such I believe we were important to each other in many ways. You gave me confidence in myself as an intelligent young woman. You were an inspiration to watch, because you took the talent you had and made it so much more with hard work and dedication. You truly did shine from within.

    In later years, you told me that I had inspired you with a curiosity about the world, and gave you the courage to leave Deer Park and go out into the world. I think you would have done it anyway… you had the courage already. Perhaps I gave you a direction. I hope so.

    I will truly miss you, Lynette.

    Ethana King D'Annunzio
  4. I remember my interview of her for the 50: Years, Stories, Faces book….such a wonderfully complicated, committed woman. She will be missed.

    Dion McInnis
  5. My heart is broken with sorrow for Lynette’s family. I remember so many great times with her at the Warwick as well as at many regional ballet festivals. I cant believe she is gone. She was such a great lady full of life and loads of fun. Prayers are with her family.

    Victoria Vittum
  6. A beautiful spirit has left our planet. She was a trailblazer for the arts and fought strongly as the artistic voice we all needed but many did not have. Our community has lost a gladiator for the arts. She brought joy to the hearts of so many little girls in her annual gift to the community, “The Nutcracker” ballet. Her artistic genius and her unwavering resolve for the power of dance will never be duplicated. Love you dear lady. Rest in peace.

    Dr. Tina Farrell
  7. She absolutely made a difference in my childhood, as a dancer at RAFA. I have so many fond memories because of her! She, to me, made ballet what it should be… classy, elegant, beautiful, and perfection! Bless her and her family.

    brooke zucha
  8. Miss Lynette was an amazing woman great mentor to so many.my daughter attended RAFA and that training gave her so much. Will miss with my Deepest Sympathy.

    Carole Haider
  9. Lynette was a year ahead of me in band. I admired her for her personality and her beauty. I was sad to learn of her passing. God bless her for her courage and God bless her family. I don’t know of a person who accomplished more from Deer Park High School.
    I know she is missed.
    Ian Darrell Cameron

    Ian Darrell Cameron
  10. Ms. Lynette changed my life. As a young girl she gave me confidence to express myself through dance. Loved the memories of casting many parts of the Nutcracker. I think of her often. May she Rest In Peace.

    Julie Kessmann Curtis

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