Obituary of Diane Joan Howarth Brunson

Diane Joan Howarth Brunson of Aiken, SC entered into rest on May 17, 2021 after a brief illness. Diane was born June 17, 1949 to the late Stanley Howarth and Dorothy Howarth Longstaff. Diane graduated from the University of South Florida in 1971 with a BS in Microbiology. While there, she interned at the FDA and met her future husband, Michael Brunson. They were married June 19, 1971. Diane began her career at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, FL before moving on to Orange Memorial Hospital in Orlando, FL where she worked in the neonatal laboratory. Diane then worked for Abbott Labs from 1978-2004; beginning as an R&D technician, working her way up to Divisional VP/Plant Manager in Dallas, TX.

Throughout almost 50 years of marriage, Diane and Michael worked as a team to successfully accomplish so many projects and goals in their life together. Theirs was a strong bond and partnership founded in love and respect.

Diane enjoyed horseback riding with her husband, including trail riding, eventing and fox hunting. Diane loved dogs and rescued many during her lifetime. She enjoyed classic movies, especially Now Voyager and Dark Victory. The Symphony, opera and live theater held a special place in her heart. Diane was a generous supporter of the arts and numerous charities. She was a kind, passionate, and cheerful soul who always wanted to help those in need. She will be deeply missed.

Diane was preceded in death by her father ret. Major Stanley Howarth, uncle ret. Lt. Col. Paul Rapp, Aunt Edith Rapp.

Diane is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Michael Brunson; mother, Dorothy Howarth Longstaff; “daughter,” Marcia (Mark) Rodgers; Sisters-in-Law, Deborah Townsend, Nancy (John) Woodward, Grace (Andrew) Keith; and brother-in-Law, Darrell (Mary) Roden.

The family wishes to thank Dynette Farmer for the loving care which she provided Diane during her illness.

A celebration of life will be at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church 1630 Silver Bluff Rd. Aiken, SC 29803 on June 19, 2021 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Friends of the Animal Shelter | Aiken, SC – Their Lives Are in Our Hands (fotasaiken.org), Metropolitan Opera | Home (metopera.org) and St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Aiken, SC (staaiken.org).

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com