Belinda Nolan

April 14, 1951 - April 21, 2021

Belinda Nolan, 70, of McKinney, TX, passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2021 in Aubrey, TX. Belinda was born April 14, 1951 in Paris, TX to Louis Newton and Elvira (Gordon) Pratt. Belinda grew up in Irving TX, graduated from MacArthur High School, attending El Centro and UNT colleges while working as an accountant. Later she moved east to Tyler TX where she went back to school at UT Tyler and obtained her teaching degree, to follow her dream of becoming a teacher. Belinda’s career in teaching began at Robert E. Lee High School in Tyler, TX from 1990-2001. She was the cheerleader sponsor and had great success coaching the Literary Criticism team at Lee High School. Her next teaching position was from 2001-2003. Belinda taught at Frisco High School in Frisco, TX. She was beloved by all students for her warmth and accepting attitude. She also piloted curriculum and developed the Pre-AP English I program. Her final teaching position was at Centennial High School in Frisco, TX from 2003 until her retirement in 2020. Belinda was a founding member of the faculty and served countless students in AP English and Composition. She also had among the highest passing rates in the district on the national exam each year. Belinda was chosen as the CHS teacher of the year on multiple occasions. She was also selected to attend the Top Ten Luncheon numerous times by students graduating in the “top ten” as the one teacher who had the greatest impact on them during their K-12 career. Belinda created a course in Humanities that became extremely popular. Not only teaching in the classroom, she mentored uncounted student teachers and beginning teachers. Belinda developed and nurtured critical thinking skills in numerous young people who went on to have highly successful careers and lives. Besides being an amazing educator, Belinda was an avid Dallas Stars fan who attended many games throughout the years. Belinda is survived by one daughter, Parrish Jones and her husband, Stephen of Bedford, TX; grandchildren, Nolan and William Jones; sisters, Candace Pratt of Aubrey, TX, Betty Pratt of Blossom, TX, and Penni Luton of Gordonville, TX; special friends, Doreen Rue, Murmur Tuckness of Aubrey TX, Debra Wilson of Sanger TX; and Tracy Webb of Frisco TX, and her much loved furry friends, her dog, Beau and her cat, Queso. Belinda was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Elvira. Services are currently pending. Online condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Terri Slay and Slay Memorial Funeral Center.