Dianne Davis

Dianne Bland Davis, 78, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Elmwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 5750 US-277, Abilene, Texas 79606. A Celebration of Dianne's Life will immediately follow the visitation.

Born in Abilene, Texas on October 11, 1946, Dianne was the daughter of A.C. Bland, Jr., and Roberta Roe Bland. She attended Abilene ISD schools graduating from Abilene High School in 1965. Dianne graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Elementary Education in 1970.

While attending Texas Tech, Dianne married Mike Davis. They were husband, wife, and best friends for 59 years of marriage. Dianne and Mike had one child, Todd in 1966. They spent much of their time together taking Todd to rodeos and watching him play football and baseball. The three loved being together. Dianne considered having and raising Todd to be the best thing she ever did. After Todd was grown, Dianne and Mike enjoyed going to senior rodeos where Mike roped and they both enjoyed the company of wonderful friends. They traveled often including a memorable trip to Hawaii and several fun cruises. In October 2017, they were in Minute Maid Park cheering for their beloved Astros as they whipped the Yankees to clinch the American League Championship. Dianne and Mike also liked everyday pleasures such as watching Jeopardy. Dianne made a delicious dressing dish. Turkey and dressing is Mike's favorite meal, so Dianne prepared it several times a year just for him. Thoughtful acts like this meant the world to Mike.

Dianne's love for her grandchildren Emilie, Caroline, and Brooke knew no bounds. She cherished every moment she spent with them. When the girls were young, visits to Dee Dee's included Abilene Zoo School, May Farm, water parks, driving the "little car" or riding horses in the Stamford Rodeo Parade, the Grace Museum, and just about anything that involved fun. As the girls grew older, Dee Dee was a regular at recitals, musicals, plays, concerts, awards ceremonies, ball games, track meets, and volleyball matches. She loved watching her girls perform and excel, but she often said she was more proud of how her granddaughters treated people with kindness, caring, and thoughtfulness.

Dianne taught first or second grade in Hereford, TX, Theoni, KS, Lorena, TX, and Waco Midway, TX from 1970 to 1981. She taught first grade, second grade or physical education in Abilene ISD elementary schools from 1981 to 2003. Dianne made her classroom a sanctuary where all children felt welcome, secure, and loved. She had a special place in her heart for students growing up in difficult circumstances. Dianne was at her best for the kids who needed her most.

Dianne treasured her relationships with dear friends and family. She provided a compassionate ear and calming voice to ease your burden when a crisis struck in your life. She then rolled up her sleeves and did everything in her power to help you through it. Dianne also offered unbridled enthusiasm when she learned of your good news. The birth of a baby inspired special delight from her. Dianne considered babies the greatest of blessings.

All who knew her will miss her and never forget the love she communicated with her beautiful blue eyes.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either of the two following charities:

National Center for Children's Illustrated Literacy

102 Cedar Street

Abilene, Texas 79601

https://www.nccil.org/donate

Hendrick Home for Children

P. O. Box 5195

Abilene, Texas 79608-5195

https://www.hendrickhome.org/donations/

Dianne is preceded in death by her father A.C. Bland, Jr.; mother Roberta Roe Bland, sister-in-law Brenda Bland, uncle Tommy Parsons, aunt Alene Parsons, and many dear friends.

Dianne is survived by her husband, Mike; son Todd and wife, Holly; grandchildren Emilie Davis, Caroline Davis, and Brooke Davis; sister Donna Ramirez and husband, Rudy; brother Mark Bland and wife, Lana; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Donny and Paula Simmons; nieces Stephanie Speer, Molly Bland Andrews and husband Kenneth, Jr., Stacey Zvokel and husband, Kevin; nephew Greg Simmons; and many grandnieces, grandnephews, and dear friends.