Gay Dunn

Diane Gay Monroe Dunn, 76, of College Station, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on September 26, 2025, after a short but fierce battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her children and left this world knowing she was deeply loved by many.

Born on January 31, 1949, in Pasadena, Texas, Gay was the daughter of Dewey Jeff Monroe and Rae Maxine Adams Monroe. She earned her undergraduate degree from Sam Houston State University and later received her master’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler.

On August 18, 1970, Gay married the love of her life, James “Jay” Lewis Dunn III, in Lake Jackson, Texas. Together, they built a loving family and shared a life of deep connection and service to others.

Gay is survived by her children: son James Lewis Dunn IV “Jed” and his wife Lorel Dunn, and daughter Jana Lynn Dunn (formerly Burkart). She is also survived by her beloved granddaughter Elizabeth Joanne Dunn; her sisters Gwen Bartley, Pam Bushman, and Victoria DuMaurier; sisters-in-law Jeana Dunn Jett and Susan Monroe; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jay, and her brother Dewey Monroe.

Professionally, Gay made a lasting impact in the field of early childhood education and mental health services. In 1980 he founded the Presbyterian Children’s Center in Longview, Texas, initially as a Mother’s Day Out program, and grew it into a fully accredited preschool known for one of the region’s first mainstreaming programs for children with significant disabilities. PCC is still in operation to this day. She was also instrumental in establishing the first Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD) in Longview.

Gay went on to serve as the Director of Children’s Mental Health Services at MHMR in Gregg County, later becoming the Director of Crisis Care Services. She concluded her career at Region 7 Educational Service Center, where she worked as a school safety auditor and school health liaison, serving public schools across 17 East Texas counties.

A three-time breast cancer survivor, Gay began her cancer journey in 2008 and lived cancer-free for the past eleven years following a battle with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. She was a dedicated member of the Pink Alliance, offering hope and guidance to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and championing breast health education in the community.

Gay was also a committed member of Al-Anon for 37 years, helping to start several meetings and serving in various service roles. Her calm presence, wisdom, and unwavering compassion touched the lives of countless family members and friends of those dealing with addiction.

Those who knew Gay will remember her for the quiet strength and grace she carried through life. She never offered unsolicited advice, yet a conversation with her always brought peace and clarity. Though many say they were blessed to know her, Gay believed it was her life that had been enriched by the people she encountered. Her faith was quiet but steadfast; her life itself was her ministry.

A memorial service celebrating Gay’s life will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Center in Bryan, Texas, officiated by Rev. Mathew Bailey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gay’s name to The Pink Alliance at PinkAlliance.org or by mail to P.O. Box 6373, Bryan, TX 77805.