Diane Jean Dunn

WHITEHOUSE — Diane Jean Dunn, 86, entered eternal rest on March 14, 2025, in Whitehouse, Texas, surrounded by her family.

Born on July 29, 1938, In Phillips, Texas, Diane was a woman of intellect, grace, and dedication. She graduated from Phillips High School before continuing her education at West Texas State University, where she earned a degree in Education and became a proud member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Her passion for learning led her to further her studies at Lamar University, where she obtained a master’s degree in educational administration.

On June 25, 1961, Diane married Samuel W. Dunn in Borger, Texas. Together they built a life filled with love and shared experiences until his passing. Diane dedicated much of her life to education and had a profound impact on those she taught and mentored throughout her career.

Beyond her professional achievements, Diane had many passions that enriched her life. She was an accomplished duplicate bridge player who achieved Ruby level status and found great joy in the strategic nature of the game. An avid reader and gardener, she cultivated both beautiful landscapes and a deep appreciation for literature. She also had a keen interest in gemstones and enjoyed collecting them over the years. In her younger years, Diane was a classical pianist and played the organ for St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, where she also led the church choir. Her poise and elegance were recognized early in life when she was crowned Miss Borger and went on to compete in the Miss Texas Pageant.

Diane is survived by her loving family: son Samuel W. Dunn Jr. and his wife Melinda of Longview, Texas; daughter Sandra Holm and her husband David of Whitehouse, Texas; daughter Stephanie Wilson and her husband Wayne of Rogers, Arkansas; brother Bryan Hampton of Amarillo, Texas; brother-in-law Lehmer Dunn and his wife Sue of Amarillo, Texas; nine grandchildren – Tiffany of Whitehouse, Texas; Erica of New Braunfels, Texas; Nicholas and Allison of Rogers, Arkansas; Alexis of McKinney, Texas; Hannah, Rebecca and William of Longview, Texas; Olivia of Tacoma, Washington – and seven great-grandchildren – Lillian and Sadie of Whitehouse, Texas; Delilah and Zarah of Tacoma, Washington; Amira, Sofia, and Rayna of McKinney, Texas – as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Samuel W. Dunn, her parents Bryan and Frances Hampton and grandchild Samuel.

A visitation will be held on May 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Stewart Family Funeral Home in Tyler, Texas. A graveside service will take place on June 6, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Llano Cemetery in Amarillo, Texas.

Diane’s legacy lives on through the lives she touched-her family members who cherish her memory and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital online at www.stjude.org.