Betty " Cousin Minnie" O'Bannon

Betty “Cousin Minnie” O’Bannon, 93, of Deer Park, Texas, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on March 26, 2026.  She was born on January 4, 1933, in Jackson, Mississippi.

Betty dedicated 20+ years to the Deer Park ISD Transportation Department, where she lovingly drove special needs students. She became a trusted, familiar, and comforting presence to countless families throughout the district.

A true people-person, Betty cherished the time she spent at the La Porte, Highlands, and EHCAC community centers. Whether playing bean bag baseball, chair volleyball, or participating in senior activities, she formed lifelong friendships everywhere she went. Known affectionately as “Mama” by so many, she had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel loved and welcomed. In 2018, she was crowned Ms. Pasadena Senior Queen, a role she embraced with joy as it allowed her to grow her circle of friends.

Betty had a generous and giving heart. She quietly touched the lives of students, musicians, and community members through countless acts of kindness. Her greatest passion, however, was supporting veterans—sending Christmas cards to troops overseas and collecting gift cards from local businesses for the annual veterans’ luncheon.

She was also a devoted supporter of the Pasadena Hometown Opry, where she and her husband performed for many years. Combining her love for music and community, Betty enjoyed volunteering at the opry—collecting tickets, greeting fans at the door, and sharing her warm smile with everyone who walked in. She treasured FaceTiming with her grandchildren, moments that filled her days with love and laughter. Betty’s humorous spirit was known and adored through her role as “Cousin Minnie” in the beloved comedy skit “Minnie and Brother,” performed alongside her late husband, Wayne, with whom she shared more than 60 wonderful years of marriage.

Betty was a faithful member of the Church of Christ worshiping with the Deer Park, La Porte and Highlands congregations.

She was a devoted mother to her four children: Sonoma O'Bannon; Pat O’Bannon-Waller and husband Robert; Cyndy O'Bannon; and Billy O’Bannon and wife Gloria.

She was the proud Mamaw to Kim; Stephanie and husband Troy; Bryan and wife Emma; and Courtney; beloved great-grandmother to Brooke husband Christian and, Hunter (deceased), Tannor, Tarryn, Reese, Baylee, Deuce, Beckham, and Tate; and great-great-grandmother to Emberlyn and Raiden.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospitality Apartment, an organization dear to her heart (P.O. Box 25213 Houston, TX 77265-5213).  Hospitality Apartments is a non-profit organization who provides rent-free temporary housing to patients receiving medical treatment at the Texas Medical Center and surrounding areas in Houston and their caregivers. Donations can be made online at www.hospitalityapartments.org

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her physicians and caregivers for their dedicated care over the past few months, and to all who loved her as deeply as they did. In accordance with Betty’s wishes, there will be no funeral service, as she preferred for those who knew and loved her to remember her as she was—joyful, vibrant, and at her very best.

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