Nela Laura Thomas-Brown
1949-2016
Attorney - Child Advocate - Animal Rescuer
“Fight the Good Fight”
Nela Laura Thomas Brown was born in Livingston, Texas on November 10, 1949. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas in 1971 and attended the University of Houston Law Center where she earned her Doctorate of Juris Prudence in 1977.
Nela Laura Thomas-Brown was a true humanitarian as well as a trailblazer for female attorneys. She regularly volunteered as a tutor and child advocate, and, upon retirement, shifted her focus to animal advocacy. She used her grit and determination to make a difference for as many animals as she could - all while fighting for her own life.
Nela was the first woman to hold the position of Manager of Research and Analysis for United Energy Resources and was honored by the National Organization of Women as "Outstanding Woman of the Year" in 1980. In 1984, she became the first woman to hold a managerial position in the history of Shell Oil. She eventually became the head of state governmental relations for Shell in 2000. By the time she retired, Nela was a V.P. at Equiva Oil Services, a joint venture of Shell.
Nela constantly encouraged the women around her to work hard and strive for more. On top of her demanding professional life, Nela always made time to help others. She spearheaded a campaign to establish gun-free zone laws around schools and chaired the Texas Gulf Coast United Fund committee that oversaw use of its appropriations.
Inspired by her son, she worked tirelessly to help schools understand the differences and the brilliance of children who face disability. She received several commendations from the Gulf Coast United Way for her efforts. She tutored children from low-income areas and helped to connect them with much-needed resources from the business community. She worked to mold HISD’s task force which focused on intellectual disabilities and the implementation and understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act for teachers and principals throughout the district. Nela did all of this while coaching little league, soccer, and writing grants for The Boys and Girls Harbor of Texas. Her dream was to see all children blossom and find a path, and not to be dismissed because they were different.
Nela had a passion true to her heart: the rescue of stray animals in Houston. This was her calling. She was relentless when it came to helping the abandoned and forgotten animals of her city. She constantly sought to advance regulatory changes at the city-level. She used her acute knowledge of the system to streamline operations at the city’s animal shelter and served as a mentor to animal rescue organizations.
By establishing the group "Frisky Paws Rescue,” she was able to make a difference in the lives of thousands of animals. These animals brought great joy to Nela’s life and, through her actions, they were able to spread that joy to countless others.
Nela leaves behind a legacy of service and altruism on behalf of those without a voice.
Nela would always say "fight the good fight." And so, she did.
