Mrs. Green
Novalene (Caffey) Green, age 99, of Temple passed away on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Scott & White Hospital ICU.
She was born at home on Dec. 7, 1926, in the little community of Tracy in Milam County. She was the f irst born of Lenza Eugene Caffey and Virginia Ruth (Duncan) Caffey.
Her brothers and sister were Lenza Eugene Caffey Jr., Clement Dalton Caffey, William Wayne Caffey, Anita Ruth (Caffey) Davis, and Clyde Barkley Caffey. To this close knit family she was affectionately known as “Sister.”
Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home, 3110 Airport Road in Temple.
Funeral services will take place on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 1 p.m. at Oak Park United Methodist Church, 5505 South 31st in Temple, with Rev. Jonathan Mellette officiating. Burial will be at Greathouse Cemetery in Temple.
Novalene grew up on a farm in Milam County between the communities of Sharp and Tracy. She graduated from Sharp High School in 1944.
She was very compassionate, caring and nurturing by nature, which led her to the field of nursing. Her Daddy thought she should pursue an administrative career. However, when she told him she felt a calling to take care of God’s people; he understood and changed his mind in support of her decision to be a nurse.
She attended the Scott & White School of Nursing, graduated as a Registered Nurse and began a 37-year nursing career. Her first job in nursing was at Santa Fe Memorial Hospital, where she enjoyed taking excellent care of the Santa Fe railroaders. She advanced through a variety of nursing positions and became the Director of Nursing. She held this position until the merger of Santa Fe and Scott & White Hospitals.
Following the merger, her care focus shifted to Social Services Administration. She retired from her nursing career in 1992.
She was an active volunteer in church, hospital and community organizations. She was also a founding member of Oak Park UMC.
She may have retired, but she never stopped being a compassionate nurse. She was sought after by family and friends for advice on their health concerns. Her response would always be “I won’t tell you what to do, but if it were me, this is what I would do.”
On Aug. 20, 1952, she married Fred T. Green in a very early morning ceremony in Temple. Their honeymoon was to Cuba, Central and South America—a trip Daddy had won by selling more tickets than any other Pioneer agent. This was the trip of lifetime for them both.
In 1953, Bradford Bruce was born and Brady Len followed in 1955.
In 1957, Fred and Novalene became the owner/operators of the Buckhorn Poultry Ranch just south of Belton. It was here that they raised their two sons and ran the ranch for almost 40 years.
Family and family gatherings were important to Mom. She loved Fred and the boys very much and took great pride in all her family and their accomplishments. She was an active supporter of all of Brad and Brady’s activities throughout their lives.
She was an avid sports fan, specifically football, baseball, and basketball.
Mom was one of God’s angels sent to be among us to show us how to live life and live it abundantly. She insisted the boys be polite, respectful and kind. She was truly the Matriarch of both the Caffey and Green families and held the respect of all who crossed her path. Mom was the most positive person you’d ever meet—never a negative thought—she’d always find something good in every situation or circumstance. She would greet everyone with a warm smile and an encouraging word. She had a heart bigger than life.
Novalene is survived by sons Brad Green and wife Betsy of Houston, Brady Green and wife Maria of Fair Oaks Ranch; a granddaughter, Virginia Flippin and husband Robbie and great-grandsons Landry, Carter and Reece of The Woodlands; a grandson, Jason Green and wife Julissa of Cypress; and many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; parents, Lenza and Ruth; and brothers Lenza Jr. and Wayne.
Novalene’s family thanks CareAge HomeCare Team, Scott & White Hospital and Clinic Staffs for Mom’s great care; as well as the Morada residents and staff for their love and friendship towards Mom.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Oak Park United Methodist Church or to the donor’s charity of choice would be appreciated.