Frances Diane McLaughlan

Frances Diane (Emmons) McLaughlan, was born in Hereford, Texas on June 12, 1938, daughter of Walter Mark “Ox” and Willie Merle Emmons. She passed to life’s greatest adventure, death, Tuesday, October 25, 2022.

Diane was a truly a ‘West Texas Girl’ having lived her formative years in Hereford, Albany and Breckenridge, Texas. Growing up, one of her main playing activities was ‘teaching school’. She once shared that she had “loved teaching as long as she could remember.” Having two parents as educators, it was no surprise she became a teacher after graduating from Texas Christian University in 1960.

Diane had a great passion for travel and would spend her entire summer break exploring places like Europe and the Middle East. She accumulated a wealth of knowledge during her travels which she shared with her students in the classroom.

Diane devoted 35 years to her teaching career, most of which were spent at Condit Elementary School in Bellaire, TX, where she established an extensive and successful gifted and talented program. Diane’s accomplishments and devotion to her students was recognized multiple times. Once as the Texas A&M College of Education Outstanding Teacher and several times as recipient of teacher of the year.

In addition to her teaching career, Diane was an active member and leader within her community and church. She devoted many hours to supporting the community through activities like Friends’ of Bellaire Library, Historical Society, and Jogging Club. She was a faithful and long-time member of Bellaire United Methodist Church, having served on the Educational Committee as well as the Board of Directors. Upon retiring, Diane continued to serve her community through volunteerism and foster learning through tutoring students.

Diane is survived by her loving husband, Pat, daughter, Meghan, son-in-law, Carl, and granddaughters, Grace and Ellie. She is also survived by many loyal and devoted friends who will greatly miss her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association.