Patricia Diane Bland

Born in Beaumont, Texas on June 19, 1959, daughter of Yvonne & Ed Bland. She grew up with three siblings in Vidor, Texas and spent most of her life in the Golden Triangle. She loved the beach, hosting parties with friends, shopping, gardening, and spending time with her family. Some called her Lady Di, but all called her the “life of the party”. She was extremely outgoing and always ready to help others. She would often be the first one there and the last to leave. She was the “cool” mom to all three of her children, and their friends, through their adolescent years.

In her forties, she met her soulmate, Jimmy Trotter, and moved to Dallas. She has spent the last sixteen years there with him. They spent time traveling together, often attending events and baseball games and shopping until they both dropped. In 2014, she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, and her boyfriend has been right by her side, taking good care of her through these last 9 very challenging years.

Diane will always be remembered for her unconditional love, outgoing personality & fighting spirit. Her advice was always to live in the moment, don’t plan!

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ida-Mae Robuck, Henry Bland, Maggie Statum, Frank Fowler, and her mother, Yvonne Bland.

She is survived by her father, Ed Bland of Vidor; sister, Marilyn Blankenship and husband, Thomas Blankenship, of Kountze; sister, Debbie Bland of Vidor; brother, Larry Bland of Vidor; brother, Terry Bland; sister, Melissa Bland Cahill; son, Josh Smith; wife, Ann Smith of West Columbia; daughter, Casandra Walker-Mathews and  husband, Gerald Mathews, of Los Angeles; son, Dylan Rutledge and fiancé, Cassie Stevens, of Dallas; grandchildren, Kaleb Smith, Lucas Smith, Alyssa Smith, Grae Mathews, Gavin Mathews, and Garrison Mathews; and five nieces and nephews.

You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. You have laid your hand on me! This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength. (Psalms 139:5-6 TPT)

Ms. Bland’s memorial service will be at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, July 23, 2023, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation (Amy T. Selkirk Breast Cancer Research Fund), 301 North Washington Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75246 or Donate Here.