Diane Elizabeth Newsom Barnes

Diane Newsom Barnes, a beloved educator, historian, and world traveler, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, at Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Following a series of health problems, some lifelong, Diane was hospitalized for the last time this past July. Born on February 26, 1944, at Fort Benning, Georgia, Diane was the cherished daughter of Annie Laurie and Douglas Newsom, who predeceased her. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Jack Barnes; Jack's son, David; and numerous other relatives.

Diane's life was marked by a profound commitment to education and an unyielding curiosity about the world. After graduating from Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1962, she pursued her passion for history and education at Auburn University. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Studies Education in 1966, followed by a Master's degree in 1967. Although she completed her doctoral coursework, she chose not to pursue a dissertation and instead dedicated herself to teaching and inspiring countless students.

In 1967, Diane began her teaching career at Spencer High School in Columbus, Georgia. She was subsequently recruited to teach at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, where she spent a decade educating students from the United States and abroad. This experience ignited her lifelong interest in the diverse histories and experiences of her students and colleagues.

Diane's life took a beautiful turn when she met Jack Barnes through a Fulbright Foundation Fellowship in 1976 during a study program for educators traveling and learning about the history and culture of Pakistan for ten weeks. Jack taught high-school social studies, English, and geography in Maine. Their shared passion for education and travel blossomed into a deep friendship, which led Diane to move from Alabama to Maine to marry Jack in the spring of 1978. Together, they built a life filled with love and adventure at Brookfield Farm in Hiram, Maine.

Diane continued her teaching career in Maine, first at Bonny Eagle High School in Standish (where Jack also taught) and later at various campuses of the University of Southern Maine, teaching classes in Russian/Soviet History and United States History. Her unique perspective as a Southern educator enriched the lives of her "Yankee" students, and she became a valuable resource for History majors aspiring to teach. Diane retired in the mid-2000s, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and knowledge. But she maintained academic connections through discussions with former colleagues, readings, lectures, and presentations with the World Affairs Council and Maine Humanities Council.

Beyond the classroom, Diane and Jack were intrepid travelers, exploring every corner of the globe. Their adventures took them to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and beyond, where they delighted in learning about different cultures and histories. They made particularly memorable visits to Timbuktu and Great Zimbabwe, the Great Wall of China, and Machu Picchu. Jack's amazing linguistic skills always enhanced their trips, thanks to his days teaching in Greece and Japan, learning those two languages; over time, he mastered many more. Diane's communication skills were more social, and always graciously Southern. Besides English, she always said she spoke "International Smile."

For more than 40 years, Diane and Jack immersed themselves in Maine's rich cultural fabric. She joined Jack in interviewing Maine authors and artists for various magazines and newspapers. She co-founded a shop in Kennebunkport in the 1980s that focused on unusual, often imported, clothes and small gift items, even selling jewelry she made. Her love for history extended beyond teaching, as she often gave talks and led discussions at local libraries and historical societies. They jointly produced six books for Arcadia Publishing's "Images of America" series, which combine historical photographs with background essays: topics included nearby towns, areas such as the Saco Valley, and the noted photographs of Nettie Cummings Maxim. In addition, Diane learned to cook Northern dishes, introduced Jack to Southern ones, and appreciated all the benefits of Jack's vegetable farm (he even grew okra for her) and the sheep and chickens he raised. A self-proclaimed "cat lady," Diane cherished her feline companions, especially her beloved Snitty that she brought from Alabama.

A Southerner who came to consider Maine her home base but traveled worldwide, she realized she could not maintain her farm and house after Jack died in December 2018. Diane relocated to Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 2019 to live there with her brother Joe, who retired from the military. She enjoyed her new environment and friends, but her health declined; Diane was hospitalized for the last time in July of this year and never returned home.

Diane is survived by her brother, Joseph (Joe) Newsom; Jack's son; Jack's daughter, Tanya; Jack's two grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

A visitation to celebrate Diane's life will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Leak Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Road, Montgomery, AL 36109. Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Diane's honor.

Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, 909 Lincoln Road, Montgomery, AL 36109.