Barbara Edna Amy

Barbara Amy passed away peacefully on May 13, 2021, after a long battle with ALS. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Larry Amy, and her loving daughter, Jennifer Amy. She was preceded in death by her older brother, Robert Driggers.

Barbara was born in Ruston, Louisiana to Elda and Clyde Driggers and grew up in the nearby town of Dubach, where she spent most of her childhood outside playing softball and basketball. She maintained a 4.0 GPA and graduated high school as valedictorian, class president and captain of the basketball team. Her classmates very aptly voted her “most athletic female” and “most likely to succeed.”

While attending Louisiana Tech University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, she maintained her track record of academic excellence with another 4.0 GPA and countless honors and achievements. She was a member of Sigma Kappa, listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, and actively participated in both women’s golf and badminton. After declining her acceptance to Oxford University in the UK, she continued her studies at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. There she was a graduate teaching assistant in the mathematics department, earning her Master of Science degree in Mathematics - again with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Soon afterwards, Barbara joined IBM as a Systems Engineer, becoming one of a growing number of women to enter this new field of computers. Quickly recognized as an outstanding employee, Barbara was promoted into management where she continued her career in engineering and development for 38 years. Barbara’s assignments yielded international travel and responsibility for software development across global teams. Barbara was consistently recognized by IBM for her leadership and accomplishments during that time and left behind numerous friends and colleagues who admired and respected her.

Barbara met her husband early in her career at IBM where they both worked, first in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for 21 years and then for another 17 years in the Austin area. After a very active life and successful career, Barbara and Larry decided to retire together in Austin. Retirement gave Barbara time to demonstrate her generosity and kindness through a new outlet - volunteering weekly with Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to less fortunate seniors in East Austin. Barbara was a member of Riverbend Church and a prior member of Austin Christian Fellowship. She loved to read and could often be found in her favorite chair, with a book in her hand and her cat on her lap. She always enjoyed a nice meal out and was an avid supporter of the Texas Women’s athletic program. Her single biggest passion, however, was her family.

Barbara will be remembered as a loving wife and mother who inspired others with her undying strength, her relentless drive for excellence, her selfless giving and unconditional love. A graveside service will be held at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks on Thursday, May 27 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association.