Diane Winborn

On September 11, Williamsburg Settlement Elementary held a memorial service for Mrs. Diane Winborn. An oak tree was planted in front of the school to honor her memory. As the students assembled at the tree dedication, the flag was lowered to half-staff by safety patrol. The ceremony was led by student council president Austin Garrison. Choir Director, Mitzi Jones, led the student body in singing the school spirit song.

Assistant Principal Christie Whitbeck led the memorial service which she described as a celebration of the life of Mrs. Winborn, who opened the school in 1981. Mrs. Winborn, 60, began her career with Katy ISD in 1976 when she was hired as assistant principal of West Memorial Elementary. She then served as principal of Katy Elementary from 1978 until 1981 when she was assigned to Williamsburg.

Her death marked the end of a 39-year career in public education which she began when she graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education in 1953. She then worked for Houston ISD as an elementary teacher until 1972. From 1972 to 1976, she was a teacher in Alief ISD and received a Master's of Education degree from the University of Houston in 1973.

During the service, students and staff honored Mrs. Winborn. "She saw the best in her students," said counselor Susan Sawyer. Librarian Robbie Yarbrough presented a book, "Oh, The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss, donated in Mrs. Winborn's honor. The book is about life, the choices we make, and how we learn from our mistakes. "Mrs. Winborn never gave up until the end of her life," said Mrs. Yarbrough. Student Garrett Stanley said, "Mrs. Winborn was a wonderful person who helped me when I was having a lot of trouble. She asked me what the problem was. I explained them problem to her and she guided me through. She was a mother to me at school. She was my best friend at school."

Brenda Ritter wrote in the Katy ISD On Review, "Diane Winborn was a person who quietly endured much pain in the last years of her life. But not matter how she suffered, she always wore a smile on her face and kept a song in her heart. The world may never know how many lives she touched, but many will remember and know that because of her, the world is a better place."

(2013)