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Dianne David Obituary
She was a combination of her father, self-made drilling mud tycoon, Henry David, and her beautiful, brilliant mother, Grace, whose taste and kindness amazed and inspired all who knew her.
Dianne could be difficult with even her closest friends, every one of whom bore the bite of her criticism at least once. She was talented, intelligent and had little patience with those who disagreed with or couldn't match her. Her wrath could be withering but we knew her well and forgave it. She was often right and was always given another chance.
Dianne's star shone brightly. Her pioneering David Gallery in the late 60's, was the most influential of its time and enlivened the Houston art scene with creative exhibitions that introduced the works of her brother Dorman David, Bob Camblin, Lucas Johnson, Earl Staley, Roy Fridge, Jim Love, David McManaway, Charles Pebworth, Donald Roller Wilson, William T. Wiley, Larry Rivers, Seymour Leichmann, Guy Johnson, amongst others and in doing so influenced the direction of contemporary art in Houston. Her taste inspired friends and patrons alike who are now the better for it.
After closing the gallery and moving out of Houston, Dianne continued to discover and promote artists on her own, including Julie Speed, until a cerebral aneurism brought confusion to her amazing mind.
She will also be remembered for her fabulous cooking and frequent dinner parties usually with a fascinating mix of artists and intellectuals espousing worthy causes. She had a great love for her animals, from a series of dogs each named named Possum, her horse, Cutty Sark and her turtles that lived in an artfully amazing outdoor condo that she created for them.
Besides her friends, she will be missed by her children, Anna Kimberly (Kim) Braun and Charles Edward (Chase) Crossingham, daughter-in-law, Rhonda, grandchildren Jordan Kimberly and Charles (Chad) Crossingham, Carl Alexander Braun, all of Mt. Airy, North Carolina and brother, talented Houston artist, Dorman David.
Burial will be in North Carolina.
A local Memorial Celebration will be organized soon.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dianne David
Sponsored by anonymous.
Michelle Hall
December 26, 2012
My Gods light shine on you forever Dianne.
Windchaser
Michelle Kruger-Hall
December 26, 2012
Chase and Kim I had no idea, but sending my love from Denver, Colorado May your memories live on forever with happy thoughts. Your 1st Cousin with love.
Cruser Rowland
April 1, 2012
Dianne David changed my life. I moved to Houston at 19 and was lucky enough to meet Dianne shortly after I arrived. She introduced me to her world of fascinating people, art and literature. The Bookman and later the David Gallery were unlike anything I had ever experienced, and I relished my time in those environments with Dorman and with Dianne, who became a pivotal person for me. I respected her fearlessness, her unconventionality, her 'eye.' I still find myself seeing things as Dianne might have seen them. As a result, she is always with me.
Sandra Jensen
March 31, 2012
Dianne was never bogged down by social convention, and she often used her rapier wit to illuminate those with one or both feet mired in societal mores. She had a great eye for all things and could spot a fake on sight, be it a person or an artwork. An exceptional and complex friend, her brutal honesty was often a difficult gift, yet her friendships ran deep. She was always there when I needed her and/or her vision. I loved Dianne. She enriched my life beyond measure.
Stolen Flowers: Mom and Henry's grande collaboration
Chase Crossingham
March 9, 2012
Charlene Martin
March 8, 2012
What fun I had with Di! It started with our graduation tour of Europe and continued until she moved Brenham. Times with her are some of my fondest memories. The world has lost an original free spirit.
Lindsay Cohn Holstead
March 6, 2012
I have the fondest memories of Dianne from my childhood. She was friends with my Mom and always so sweet to me and my sisters when she would come over to visit. She always told us the funniest stories and kept us hanging on every word!
My thoughts and Prayers are with your family.
Hill
March 5, 2012
I am very sorry to hear of the lost of your dear loved one. Psalms 66:19 says: " Truly God has heard; He has paid attention to the voice of my prayer." God hears our prayers and feels our pain. God can give You the strength needed to endure.
March 5, 2012
I have no idea who wrote Dianne's obituary, but it is the perfect description of an interesting and fun friend. Burdine's and my world will be different now that she is gone.
Lester Giese
Jordan Crossingham
March 5, 2012
I will cherish my jar of hearts for always.
Love,
Jordan
March 5, 2012
May the bereaved family and friends of Ms. David receive whatever comfort is needed so you can cope with your great loss.
Bill Holt
March 5, 2012
Dianne and I dated for a while in 1955 when I was attending Rice. She was a high-spirited young lady; and I enjoyed our friendship. She liked to wear my Woodberry Forest letter sweater. I am saddened to hear that she has passed away; and I know she will be missed by her many friends.
JR Williams
March 5, 2012
Thinking of you and your family, Chase.
Carolyn Farb
March 4, 2012
Diane was a unique, creative, and irreverent beautiful spirit who will be missed by the many whose lives she touched. Dianne and her brother Dorman were part of the beginning of the Houston art scene – many are in Diane's debt as she planted the seeds of illumination.
Dianne with her horse
Dianne David
March 4, 2012
Loved hoses as much as Cormac McCarthy does
Dianne David
March 4, 2012
Dianne and Dorman
Dianne David
March 4, 2012
Chase Crossingham
March 4, 2012
"Above all a knowing deep in the bone that beauty and loss are one."
--Cormac McCarthy.
Love you, Mom
Blaine Nell
March 4, 2012
I did not know you, Dianne but thru your brother Dorman I have just started to enjoy the arts. May your beautiful memories live on in the people that you touched.
William Pennington
March 4, 2012
She is in Gods arms now. May she rest in peace.
Gary Alan BeBout
March 4, 2012
I remember Diane fondly in the 70ies when I along with partner Bill Freckleton created Southwest Art Magazine...she was on the cutting edge of contemporary art..but supported our endeavor 100%..She lived a great life with no regrets...she will be missed.....Gary Alan BeBout Ohio
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