In Memoriam

George Ann Carter Bahan H’13

George Ann Carter Bahan H’13, one of Fort Worth Country Day’s Founding Trustees, passed away on September 7, 2022, at the age of 95. In the early 1960s, while married to Amon G. Carter, Jr., George Ann, along with several other young mothers, sought to establish “a school of real academic excellence” in Fort Worth.

George Ann Carter Bahan H’13, one of Fort Worth Country Day’s Founding Trustees, passed away on September 7, 2022, at the age of 95.

There was no land. There were no buildings, no faculty, not even a name for this school when this group, which sought the benefits of a college-preparatory education much closer to home, gathered and, over coffee, conjured up the idea of Fort Worth Country Day.

After months of discussion, these determined women called a formal meeting in November 1961 with 18 others. Following that meeting, the group moved quickly. Land was acquired, and in 1962, there was a groundbreaking. Destined to Flourish, FWCD’s 50th-anniversary book, set the stage:

“The people who gathered were taking a bold risk …. Though they had made their decision, a huge question remained. Would parents who were accustomed to taking their children down the street to public school be willing to drive to a private school out in the country? Mrs. Bahan believed parents would.”

George Ann said, “The main reason I was for building a private school in general, and Country Day in particular, was that you didn’t have to be a genius to go there. Oh, we had our share of geniuses, but our school would be different because we wanted to bring out the best in every single child.

Country Day was going to make an achiever out of a child who didn’t know one was in there.”

On September 9, 1963, FWCD opened its doors to 210 students in grades 1-9. Today, nearly 60 years later, Fort Worth Country Day remains a school of significance in the DFW metroplex.

George Ann exuded warmth in her personality, was generous and had a delightful sense of humor. Her passions included theater, music, dance and her family.

Nenetta Carter Tatum ’72, shared with the Star-Telegram that her mother was skilled in tap dancing, singing and playing the piano. In 1977, she made her “professional stage debut” at the Granbury Opera House. “Mother was, I guess you could say, a frustrated performer. That was until she got on that stage,” Tatum said. “But when she did, she shined. Daddy helped bus in people from Fort Worth to see her.”

George Ann’s love for her family knew no bounds. She took her children and grandchildren on trips to Washington, D.C., Disneyland and Seattle via train. She took any and all opportunities to make family memories.

“Mrs. Bahan’s beliefs hold true today, as the School continues to build upon the Founders’ beliefs and mission,” said Eric Lombardi, Head of School. “As a result of the vision and determination of Mrs. Bahan and all of FWCD’s founders, the School has shaped the minds and lives of countless individuals.”

Jody Price

Former Secretary to the Headmaster (title later changed to Executive Assistant to the Headmaster) Jody Price passed away on July 15, 2022. Jody began working at the School in 1979 and served for 21 years, working with Ted Sanford H’98 (1976-87), Geoffrey Butler H’98 (1987-96), and Graham Brown H’98 (1996-2001).

Former Secretary to the Headmaster (title later changed to Executive Assistant to the Headmaster) Jody Price passed away on July 15, 2022.

Jody saw the campus grow and change immensely during her tenure as she supported each Head. She celebrated the 20th and 30th anniversaries of the School and was on campus to see the progress and dedications of many new buildings, including the William E. Scott Fine Arts Center, the Lower School Ryan Annex, the Moncrief Middle School Annex, the campus plaza with fountain, the Square Gym, the Sanford Arts Center, the original security entrance, the Butler Kindergarten Building, the William A. and Elizabeth B. Moncrief Library, the Mason Middle School, the Upper School Science Center and more.

Even when she retired in 2000, she did not leave the nest. With a desire to preserve the past, Jody joined her good friends and former colleagues Jean Webb H’01 and ClaireLise Knecht H’06 to create and volunteer in the FWCD Archives. While it was Webb who spearheaded the cause of

the Archives, the threesome established the archives in 2005 to organize and preserve the School’s great history. Collections (housed in the Moncrief Library) include original records and papers from the School’s founding; publications such as newspapers and yearbooks, directories and scrapbooks; photographs and videos; and artifacts.

The partnership of Jody, Jean and Claire-Lise was instrumental to the fact-collecting stage and contributed all archival resources to the creation of Destined to Flourish, FWCD’s 50th-anniversary book. “Together with the 50th co-chairs, these three women put their fingers on just about anything that was needed to shape the book,” then Head of School Evan D. Peterson H’15 noted.

Cindy Allen, Executive Assistant to the Head of School, was hired in 1986 by Jody to serve as School Receptionist. “Jody took me under her wing and really showed me the way when I first arrived on campus,” she said. “Later, when I was working in the Upper School office, and years before her retirement, Jody indicated that she wanted me to replace her when she retired, but she didn’t think I was tough enough. I had to prove myself.

“We facilitated several ISAS workshops together. I think those experiences allowed her to see me as organized and a leader,” Cindy continued. “Jody had a presence about her, and she was greatly respected. I knew I would never be able to slip into her shoes, but I did show her that I could stand on my own. Without her leadership, support and friendship, I would not be where I am today.”

George Ann Carter Bahan H’13

Ned Barlow ’87

Barbara Bradshaw

Norman Steven Chevreaux

Kyle Claunch ’78

Alan Goodrich ’77

Bill Harrell

Douglas Higgins

Connie Herr

Ann Hudson

Adam Leach ’98

Patricia Mansfield

Clifton Morris

Peter Plenk ’86

Jody Price

Ellen Proctor ’98

Cita Mason Riley ’71

Renie Steves

Butch Traeder H’16

William Tucker

David White

Nathan Wiley ’98

Charles Louis Wolf, Jr. ’03