Amber Cree

Amber Cree, of Abilene, passed away at her home on Friday, August 23, 2103. She was 82. A reception will be held on Saturday, September 21st, from 2:00-3:00pm at the Hendrick Home for Children, 2758 Jeanette Street, with a time of remembrance to follow from 3:00-4:00pm.

Mary Elizabeth “Amber” Cree was born November 22nd, 1930 in Sweetwater, Texas, to Thomas G. and Bessy Dollar Logan. She was raised in Sweetwater and as a young girl she was nicknamed Amber for the color of her hair. She attended Texas Tech to study architecture, where she was one of four women enrolled in Engineering School. In 1950, she moved to Abilene to take a job as a draftsman. Shortly thereafter, she went on a blind date with Bill Cree, an energetic young oilman, and on June 28th, 1952, they were married.

Amber and Bill were true partners in everything. Together they built a business, travelled the world, flew their own plane and shared many wonderful experiences. She took the lead in their philanthropic and civic endeavors, and was a pioneer for women in Abilene as a community leader. Calling herself a “professional volunteer,” she was involved with many civic projects and not-for-profit boards, such as West Texas Rehabilitation, United Way and the Abilene Association for Mental Health. She also served as Chair of the Abilene Parks and Recreation Board for many years, and was appointed by Governor Mark White to the Texas Jail Standards Commission, serving for a time as its Chairwoman.

Amber’s greatest passions were the Abilene Zoo and The Hendrick Home for Children, where she served on the Board of Directors for 38 years. After serving as President and serving on the Board of the Abilene Zoo, in August of 1983 she formed the Grover Nelson Zoological Foundation, a non-profit foundation which raises funding for capital campaigns to build new buildings and exhibits at the Abilene Zoo. The major improvements at the Abilene Zoo since 1983 have been funded through the efforts of the Grover Nelson Zoological Foundation. Her vision laid the groundwork for much of what is enjoyed by more than 200,000 people every year.

Amber was a recipient of the Pathfinder Award honoring women who were first in their special field of endeavor and who contributed to the needs of the community. In 1985, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce awarded her the Outstanding Citizen of the year in recognition of her civic leadership. She made a difference not just in the lives of the people who knew and loved her, but for countless others through her selfless volunteer efforts and philanthropic giving.

She worked tirelessly to make Abilene a better place to live.
Amber is survived by her sisters June Russell of Midland and Joyce Hollingsworth of Big Spring; sister-in-law Frances Cree of Dallas; nieces Patricia Owens and Ann White, both of Midland, Diane Reid and Shelly Reid, both of Tucson, nephews; Richard Cree and wife Anne of Dallas, Raymond Reid and wife Paula of Amarillo, Hal Cree and wife Susan of Pampa, George Cree and wife Nina of Amarillo, and adoptive daughter Alison O’Briant of White Fish, Montana.

The family wishes to express its love and appreciation to Ben Hines, Amber and Bill’s companion and caregiver, whose efforts helped fulfill their wishes to live out their lives in their own home. Special thanks go out as well to Amber’s attentive and loving caregivers, Jackie Hines, Shamika Owens, Wanda Banks and Paige Jones.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Grover Nelson Zoological Foundation, 3302 South 14th Street, Suite 16 PMB149, Abilene, Texas 79605; the Hendrick Home for Children, 2758 Jeanette Street, Abilene, Texas 79605 or Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford Street, Abilene, Texas 79605.
Condolences may be offered on line at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.