Deanne Rand

Deanne Rand

Deanne Marie Dyke Rand, a beloved mother, grandmother, longtime Bryan-College Station resident, and devoted educator, passed away in the early morning hours of Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, at the age of 90.

Deanne was born on January 27, 1935, in Washington, D.C., to Edward Joseph and Elsie White Dyke. Throughout her life, Deanne loved to share cherished childhood memories of her days at Mount St. Vincent, visiting her father at the White House, and traveling to New York City. Despite her Northeastern upbringing and her family vacations to Florida, she spent most of her life in Bryan-College Station. This is where she called home, and where she built a legacy of service, strength, and devotion to her family.

A proud Texas A&M University graduate, Class of 1972, Deanne was part of the early generation of women to earn degrees from the university, even going on to also earn her Master's Degree just three years later. Deanne devoted her professional life to service, education, and community. She taught seventh grade in the Bryan Independent School District for thirteen years, where she influenced and guided countless students. After 13 years of teaching, she made the transition into real estate, a profession at which she was a natural. She served as a realtor in the Bryan–College Station area, winning many accolades and contributing to the growth and stability of the local community. She also placed great value on expanding her own knowledge, always acting as a student of life through reading, traveling, and genealogy research.

Deanne was a lifelong, devout Catholic and a faithful parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church in College Station. Her faith was expressed not only in worship but through service. Some of the organizations that touched her heart and where she volunteered countless hours include Hospice Brazos Valley, Habitat for Humanity, and St. Vincent de Paul - continuously offering compassion, empathy, and comfort to those in need.

Above all, Deanne was devoted to her family. She raised six children as a single mother, a role she fulfilled with extraordinary strength, perseverance, and love. Over the years, she became "Mom" to many beyond her own children, opening her home and her heart to anyone who needed a place of safety, rest, or belonging. Her house was always open, and no one was ever turned away.

She was affectionately known as "Gogo" by her grandchildren and many others who loved her. Her family was her absolute greatest joy, and her legacy continues through her fifteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Her home was always filled with warmth and laughter-a gathering place for generations.

Deanne is survived by her children that she loved dearly: Patty and Chris Humphries of Gatesville, Mike Rand of Fort Worth, Terry Rand of College Station, Eileen Soliz and Richard Soliz of Fort Worth, Chris and Kathy Rand of Arkansas, and Elizabeth Brooks of Fort Worth; her grandchildren: Matthew Rand (Laurel), Kristin Rand, Sean Rand (Jordan Hillyer), Katy Gottwald (James), Thomas Weber (Janie), Erin Rand, Allison Rand, Zachary Soliz, Olivia Soliz, Cameron Soliz, Everett Soliz, Madison Brooks (J. Wylie Haile), Josh Brooks (Abigail), and Jacob Brooks; nine great-grandchildren; her baby brother: Joe and Nora Dyke, many nieces and nephews, and countless others who became family over the years. She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Elsie, sister Patricia Lilley, sons-in-law Gregory Weber and Jeff Brooks, and granddaughter Angela Weber.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church (Historic Chapel) in College Station on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026, at 10 a.m., with a visitation to follow.

Deanne is already missed by so many. Her legacy of unconditional love, empathy, and compassion will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Known for her big heart and her gift of making everyone feel at home, our Gogo will be remembered wherever there is a house full of love, laughter, and chocolate chip cookies-simple expressions of the love she gave so freely to so many.