Diane Babb Obituary

Surrounded by love and her family, Diane Cottam Brighton Babb, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2024, in Lubbock, Texas. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, teacher, and friend, Diane lived her life shining forth the love of God. Like sunshine streaming through the trees, her love brought warmth and light to others through her smile, a gentle hug, an encouraging word and thoughtful acts of kindness.
Diane was born in St. Louis, Mo., on April 15, 1940. From the age of 6 she grew up on her grandparents, Sydney and Audrey Cottam's, farm in St. Clair, Mo., carrying buckets of water and helping her grandmother care for her large iris farm, feeding the chickens, weeding the vegetable garden and doing other chores. She loved riding horses and fishing with her grandfather. Her love of teaching grew while getting her elementary education in a one-room schoolhouse with 14 other children and a caring teacher.
She grew up in the same town as Robert G. Babb, her future husband, who she followed around with her toy bow and arrow because she thought he was cute. The two became reacquainted when Robert was on leave from the Army. His mother and Diane's grandmother were visiting and the lovely teenager wearing a green dress caught his eye. They started dating and would go out to look at the stars. She interrupted her formal education to care for her grandparents who had raised her.
Diane married Robert G. Babb on April 20, 1957. They moved to Albuquerque, N.M., that year.
While raising the couple's seven children, Diane continued her education ultimately obtaining a Registered Nursing Degree through the University of New Mexico and working in hospitals in both New Mexico and Lubbock. Later, she went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at Lubbock Christian University in 1991 and started teaching at elementary schools. She garnered her Master's Degree in Special Education through Texas Tech University in Lubbock.
Educating and caring for children was a life-long passion. She ran the Special Education Program at the Hondo Cooperative in Abernathy. She worked at Brown Elementary School, Lamesa Elementary School and Slaton Elementary School, inspiring hundreds of children during her 21 years of teaching.
Actively involved in her church throughout her life, Diane was instrumental in starting the Daughters of the King chapter in Albuquerque at St. Michael's and All Angels Church. She was on altar guild and in the Daughters of the King in Lubbock at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church and St. Stephen Episcopal Church. She sang in the choir for over 30 years at St. Stephen's.
She was a seamstress and found her own artistic expression in colored pencil and watercolors. She loved traveling, camping and visiting with her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Robert G. Babb; their seven children, Dr. Franklyn C. Babb (Janet); Alise R. Andrews (Wells); MaryAnn E. Dropps (Alan); Gailanne T. Dill (Timothy); Rebecca Babb (Eric Stoklossa); Dr. Michelle Babb-Tarbox (Dr. James Tarbox); and Robert C. Babb (Michelle Schutt-Babb); 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
A Remembrance and Commendation for Diane Cottam Brighton Babb was held on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at St. Stephen's.
Her family recently uncovered beautiful, descriptive stories written by Diane that give a glimpse into her life which was one of challenges, success and deep, abiding faith and love. Perhaps to sum up this beautiful life, is a poem by Diane describing herself:
"I am.
Children's laughter, pine forest glades and warmth.
I like sunshine, fresh breezes, faces and eyes that see me.
Friendliness, humor, and honesty are important to me.
No matter what, I know God loves us all and cradles us in his loving arms.
I can be selfish, jealously holding my family apart and close to me, not wishing to let go.
Still, when I, for love's sake release my talons grasp, flowers unfold.
Stalwart - trust me, count on me, I won't let you down.
Listening - open - no confidence of yours will I pass on.
Mother thing, hovering, covering, warmth and vigilance.
This is me!
I am Diane."
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