Diana Pardue entered into the presence of the Lord on October 7, 2015. Diana has enjoyed 86 years of life and was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Robert L. Pardue, her parents, Frank and Ruth Corzelius, and her two sisters, Martha Field and Francis Moore. She leaves behind four children, 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren: Diana Ruth Pardue, Frank Mathews C. Pardue, his wife Rosa, and children: John and Andrea Pardue and their children, Marius, Tristan and Erik; Mary Caroline Pardue, and Stephen and Teri Pardue and their children, Ava, Lucy, Simon, and Ivy; Lee Pardue II, his wife Kathy, and children: Lee III and Amy Pardue and son Blaise; Hannah and Alan Knox and their children, Dean and Wesley; Juliet and Ryan Kirk; Melinda (Missy) Williams, her husband Ted, and their children: Christi Williams and her children, Claire and Annalise; Robert and Mallory Williams and their children, Truett and Ellis; Holly Williams and her son, Benjamin; and Cindy Williams.
Diana began her life in Ranger, Texas, on January 7, 1929. She lived several of her early years in Fort Worth, but spent most of her life in Houston, where she attended The Kinkaid School. She attended the University of Texas, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and met the love of her life, Robert ("Rabbit") Pardue. They spent some time in Guatemala and Fort Worth, before settling in Houston. She was involved in the Blue Bird Circle and served many years on the boards of both Holly Hall and the After Dinner (AD) Players. She enjoyed contributing to these organizations and many others, watching them grow and develop.
Robert and Diana were very involved in St Andrew's Presbyterian Church for many years, but later moved to Bethel Church of Houston after they relocated to Tanglewood. Diana was involved in Bible Study Fellowship for many years, and she and Robert served as sponsors for Bethel's singles ministry in the mid 1970s. They continued to be involved as mentors to many from the singles' group even after they got married. Over her lifetime, Diana enjoyed investing her time and energy as a mentor and encourager to younger women. In the 80s and 90s, Diana was involved with a ministry to 3-year olds, also keeping up with them as they grew up. In more recent years she has enjoyed home Bible studies with people she met in her neighborhood and elsewhere.
With her network of relationships lasting over generations here in Houston, she has loved being with people and sharing her life with them. She is thankful for all who have touched her life and for the opportunity, in turn, to touch the lives of many. She was a great mother, as well as doting grandmother and great-grandmother. The family wishes to thank all who have shown love and care for her over these many years and the meaningful part they have played in the life of our family.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, gifts be given to the AD Players Building Project, 2613 Saint St. Houston TX 77027, or the WorldVenture Missionary Launch Fund #6135, at 1500 W Mineral Ave., Littleton CO 80120.
