Barbara Diane Brown

Barbara Diane Brown, 71, of Midland, TX, passed away on August 15, 2023. She was born in Duncan, OK, on September 8, 1951, to the late Paul and Merldene Barker. Barbara was preceded in death by the love of her life, Michael W. Brown, and her beloved grandson, Streeter Griffin.

Barbara was born and raised in Duncan, OK, until her family moved her senior year to Hobbs, NM. Barbara graduated from Hobbs High School in 1969, where she was voted “best date” her senior year. After graduation, she moved to Abilene, TX, and worked for Bandag, where she met the long-haired hippy love of her life, Mike. They married in 1975, and their daughter, Jennifer, was born two years later in 1977. The land of oil called to them and brought them to Midland, where she worked for Mid-America Oil Company and did books for the Book Stall. Their second daughter, Kristi, was born in 1980, and as their children grew, they decided to move out to Greenwood, arriving in 1983. Although she spent most of her life in Texas, her heart always resided somewhere in Oklahoma, and she was quick to tell anyone that would listen that it was, in fact, the best state in the union.

Barbara dedicated more than 36 years to the Greenwood Independent School District, where she impacted countless lives while running the concession stand for student council, serving as the cheerleader sponsor, Sr. class sponsor, transporting students to stock shows, and the many years she enjoyed driving for and supporting the BIG BLUE BAND. Her passion for others and commitment will always be remembered.

In her free time, Barbara enjoyed indulging in her hobbies, which included loving and supporting her grandchildren, spending time with her pets, enjoying her sisters of Beta Sigma Phi, reading, and antiquing. These activities brought her joy, and she cherished the moments she shared with her family vacationing in the mountains and watching a good NASCAR race.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Dizmang, her husband Wayne, Kristi Griffin, and her husband David. She was a proud grandmother to her granddaughters, Delaney and Kamryn Griffin, JaeCee Chadwick, and her husband, Cameron. Barbara was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Emma and Daniel.

Visitation for Barbara will be held on Monday, August 21, from 6-8 pm at Ellis Funeral Home, 4616 N Big Spring Street, Midland, Texas 79705. A service to celebrate her life will take place at 10 am, also at Ellis Funeral Home, followed by burial at Greenwood Cemetery, 10908 FM-307, Midland, Texas 79706.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Chappell, Wayne Dizmang, Adam Dorner, Jody Franks, David Griffin, and Michael Smith.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to Veterans or Animal Rescue organizations. These were causes close to Barbara's heart; your support will honor her memory.

Please join us in remembering and celebrating the life of Barbara Diane Brown. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.