June 22, 1950-May 27, 2026
Sythia Sue Price O’Brien went to be with her Lord unexpectedly on May 27, 2026. Sythia was the name of a British Troop Ship that her Dad came back to the US after WWII. She entered the Hospital for her normal three month clinic appointment from her double lung Transplant that she had received sixteen years ago. She complained of stomach pain and was sent to the Emergency Room.The ER Doctor advised removing the Gallbladder, which they told her was a simple procedure and that she would heal quickly and there was little chance of infection. She developed an infection which is what eventually took her home.
Sythia ( or Sissy, which is what most called her) was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to Lee Frank Price and Bette Ruth Combs Price, where she lived when her Father ( a career Army Officer) was out of the Country and the family was not with him. She was a World Traveler as an Army child, living in Japan for fourteen months and in Germany for just over four years during her youth. When her Father retired, she moved with the family to Garland, Texas as a student at UT-Arlington. She worked at the library until the Manager of Elliot’s Hardware in Dallas, Johnny Williams gave her a job, As somewhat of a matchmaker, he hired her to meet her eventual Husband of Fifty Three years, John O’Brien.
After she graduated from college, she began teaching. After several years she went back to school to get her Masters Degree in Special Education and taught Special Education, until several of her parents convinced her to open a Private Classroom (Bay Area Education Center) which she kept open for Five years and then went back into Public School
While teaching in Public School, her fellow teachers gave her a scholarship to go to “Clown College” where she learned to be a White Faced Clown and her love for Clowning grew.
In 1982, the love of her life was born and she has loved watching our Son, Sean Patrick grow into a man. In 2018 her second love of her life, a granddaughter, River Mallory came on the scene and she has enjoyed watching her grow in to a young lady. John feels the love for River has extended her life from the transplant.
She is survived by her husband of fifty three years, John; two Brothers, Terry Lon Price, his sons Kelly Findley and Casey Price; and Randy Don Price , his daughter Wendy Newell. and her Sister Sheila Lee Price Duck and her husband Kenny: Their Two Daughters, Taylor Duck Friedel and her husband Preston and Abby Duck Hamblin and her husband, Luke Hamblin. And their Children Aspyn and Brecken Friedel and Copelyn Hamblin.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, with visitation from 10:00-11:00 AM, and the service begins at 11:00 AM, at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr. Friendswood, TX 77546.
In lieu of Flowers, Donation may be made to St Michaels Episcopal Church, 1601 Lake Rd
LaMarque, Texas 77568.
7 thoughts on “Sythia (Price) O’Brien”
I was privileged to be one of Sissy’s caregivers following her transplant. She was always a sweet patient with lots of grit, determination and drew strength from her faith. My prayers are with John, Sean and all Sissy’s family. Oh she loved you!!!
I will miss your, this is just an I love you call. Sissy you are so much more than a sister, you truly made my life, if you had not set up my 1st date with my wonderful wife of 49 years and 6 months Dixi. I’m sure my growing up with out a constant cheer leader , always up beat, and well thought advice would not have turned out as well. Sissy if you don’t mind I be listening until we’re all back together. Thank you Sissy Sue .
I knew you all in Leesville and in Texas. Much love and thanks to you all.
Sissy was an always a vibrant and joyful face at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church when my family began attending after our move to Friendswood. She welcomed us, as she did all in her path, as much loved family. Sissy loved children, and dedicated her life to bringing joy and security to each one. Sissy was a lady that always looked on the bright side, and our world is the better for her being in it. My heart and prayers go out to John, Sean, and all the family.
John, Jerry and I want to ket you know how sorry we are to have received the news of Sissy’s death. Having gone through so much these last 16 years and then an infection to cause her death. That is so sad but It was her time to go through those gates and she is completely well now. Jerry and I want to offer our condolences and will be praying for you and your family in this time of grief
Dear John, the O’Brien family and friends
Robert and I were blessed to have known and shared some LIFE with the wonderful Sissy. What a joyful, loving spirit she was. We will hold special memories close, such as her entertaining everyone at Church picnics as a clown. We hold you all up in prayer . In Peace, Sympathy and Love, Renate and Robert Walker.
Sissy and the entire Price family were true Christians and a port in the storm of my childhood whilst in Leesville, Louisiana and then one summer in Texas when I groomed poodles and lived with them at 15 years old. Her love and joy and generosity deeply helped me. God bless you all. Memory Eternal ☦️
Barbara Wentzel