Edie Evers O'Brien

Edie was born on January 7, 1944, in Greenwood, Mississippi, to David Wesley "D.W." Evers and Marguerite Lillian (Chandler) Evers. She spent her childhood in the heart of the Mississippi Delta and graduated from Belzoni High School, where she met the love of her life, William "Bill" O'Brien.

She continued her education at Mississippi State College for Women, commonly referred to as "The W." While in college, she and Bill maintained a long-distance romance, making weekend drives between Oxford and Columbus for dates and time with friends. After marrying on January 22, 1966, the young couple began their life together in Athens, Georgia, where Edie taught at Athens High School before their first child was born.

From Georgia, the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where their two daughters were born, before settling permanently in Houston after Bill completed his Ph.D. in 1977. Edie devoted many years to raising her family before returning to the workforce when her youngest child was in high school. She joined VALIC as an analyst, successfully building a second career marked by hard work and continued professional growth. She happily retired in 2008, looking forward to traveling the world with Bill and creating even more cherished memories together.

She loved to travel, enjoyed lively conversation, and never hesitated to share a well-informed opinion. She was an accomplished bridge player, treasured time with her bunco group, and, together with Bill, developed a passion for birding. Edie became a remarkably knowledgeable birder who found great joy in sharing her observations with others and appreciating the beauty of the natural world. She also spent countless hours researching her family's genealogy, a passion that led her to become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Edie was an active member of the AAUW West Harris County Branch, an organization that supports gender equity in education.

Following Bill's passing, Edie embraced a new chapter at Eagle's Trace Retirement Community. She built new friendships and enthusiastically participated in many things the community had to offer. She loved the Wanderers Club, bridge groups, line dancing, tap dancing, yoga, fitness classes, musical performances, lectures, and social gatherings.

Edie will be remembered as an intelligent, engaged, and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She taught those around her to stay curious, embrace new experiences, care deeply about the world, and never stop learning.

Edie is survived by her son, Robert O'Brien (Misti) of Waco, Texas; her daughters, Casey Reed (Jordan) and Ann O'Brien, both of Houston; seven grandchildren (Chris, Valen, Caity, Ian, Luke, Lauren, and Jude); one great-grandson (Dean); and many beloved extended family members and dear friends.

A memorial celebration of Edie's life will be held on Saturday, July 25, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow, at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests that memorial contributions be made in Edie's memory to the Houston Audubon Society or the Houston Food Bank