DIANE ELLEN O’BANNON
Diane Ellen O’Bannon, 76, of Houston, Texas passed away on Dec. 29, 2022, at Methodist Hospital in Sugar Land, Texas.
Diane was born on Dec. 13,1946 to Patricia Braun and Jack O’Bannon in Houston, Texas. She attended school in Houston at River Oaks Elementary, then moved to Bonus to live with her grandmother, Dorothy Martin Braun and attend Eagle Lake Junior High. Later, she attended
and graduated from St. Mary’s Hall in San Antonio and spent one year at The University of Texas before founding her own company, See Saw, for sharpening saws and other construction tools. Ultimately, she was a licensed home inspector.
Diane was her mother’s daughter. She was a lifelong advocate for women’s rights, not only in the State of Texas, but universally. She pitied those who would seek to control a woman’s mind and body. She possessed a quick wit and willingly shared countless stories of her experiences. She was tactful in a way her husband Gerry never was able to fully grasp, though they agreed on much. She was a lifelong advocate for animals as well, adopting seven dogs awaiting euthanasia and attracting a plethora of felines that chose to live outside her house. Later in life, when health and other issues affected Diane’s wellbeing, she faced them all with stoic grace, ample humor and cheerfulness worthy of admiration and imitation.
Diane is survived by many friends and relatives. First and foremost are Gerry Kersey, her husband of 33 years, and Amy Harrott, who dedicated herself to getting Diane to all her medical appointments and treatments. Gus Breymann shared her love of Houston history. Andy Rolf was a lifelong friend from Eagle Lake. Starr K. Davis of Seattle was her oldest friend. Her cousins Judi Johnson, Barbara Roden, Stephen Braun, Michael Braun and David Braun also mourn her passing.
Memorial service and interment will occur on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, beginning at noon at Christ Church, 306 E. Stockbridge St. in Eagle Lake. In lieu of flowers, Diane would like any donations to go to www. friendsofbarc.org, who have saved countless lives of those who have no voice.