Vivian "Diane" Stephenson Stanley

Vivian "Diane" Stephenson Stanley, 84, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026. She was born on July 16, 1942, in Houston, Texas, to Leldon Garland Stephenson and Velma Eunice Stephenson.

Diane was a woman of deep faith who accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior while in elementary school and remained devoted to Him throughout her life. Her mother had attended Bible college in Houston and taught her daughters their favorite Scripture, Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." That verse became a guiding light throughout Diane's life and carried her through every joy and every challenge.

Known for having a heart of gold, Diane was a selfless caregiver who faithfully cared for her grandmother during radiation treatments in the early 1960s and later lovingly cared for both of her parents. She gave generously of both her time and her heart, always putting the needs of others before her own.

Despite facing significant health challenges, Diane never lost her faith. Through prayer and perseverance, she experienced the blessing of being free from dialysis for five years before eventually returning to treatment. She was a true prayer warrior, faithfully lifting up her children, grandchildren, family, and friends in prayer each day.

During high school, Diane excelled in home economics and was a talented musician. She played first-chair tenor saxophone and sang in a church quartet, quickly learning to transpose music by sight. Alongside a close friend, she sang duets at youth rallies while her beloved sister, Lelda, accompanied them on the piano. Diane and her younger sister shared a lifelong bond of friendship, always encouraging and supporting one another through every season of life. It was also during this time that she met her future husband, Jack Edwin Stanley, Jr.

After high school, Diane attended Lee College in Baytown and later Lamar University. Diane and Jack married and shared approximately 20 years together, during which they welcomed their children, James Edwin Stanley and Kimberly Diane Stanley, through adoption.

Kim and her husband, Doug Bergen, blessed Diane with three cherished grandchildren: Jack Allen Bergen, Helen Hope Bergen, and Elizabeth Christine Bergen. Becoming "Mom Mom" was one of Diane's greatest joys. She treasured every moment with her grandchildren, whether taking them to Vacation Bible School, attending their sporting events, creating arts and crafts together, or simply spending quality time with them.

Diane found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved watching football and golf, taking long drives, and celebrating with family. She enjoyed pottery, painting, and creative crafts, especially when her grandchildren were young. She was also a fan of classic black-and-white westerns, always appreciated a good cup of sweet tea or coffee, and had a special fondness for jewelry, sparkles, and anything with a little bling.

Diane spent many happy years in Conroe, The Woodlands, and Houston Heights.

She will be remembered most for her unwavering faith, her servant's heart, her kindness, and the unconditional love she gave so freely to her family. Her gentle spirit and steadfast devotion leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leldon Garland Stephenson and Velma Eunice Stephenson.

She is survived by her son, James Stanley; her daughter, Kim Bergen and husband, Doug; her beloved sister, Lelda Duckworth; and her treasured grandchildren, Jack Bergen, Helen Hope Bergen, and Elizabeth Bergen, along with numerous extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

A small family service will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, with a Celebration of Life to follow at a future date.  

Though she has left this earthly life, the love she shared, the prayers she faithfully prayed, and the example of a life lived for Christ will continue to live on in the hearts of those she loved.