Barbara Diane Russell Biggs of Tyler, Texas, peacefully went to her heavenly home on August 22, 2026 at the age of 83, to reunite with her beloved son, “Keither”. Born in Dallas, Diane moved to Tyler after the death of her parents and graduated from Tyler High School in 1960.
At the age of 17, she was baptized and became a devoted believer in Jesus, attending both First Baptist Church and later Pollard United Methodist Church of Tyler. Diane made countless friends throughout her life, welcoming everyone with open arms, especially the many children who considered her home their second home.
Diane, along with her four children, dedicated over 33 years to teaching swimming through the American Red Cross learn to swim program at Fun Forest, Woldert, and TISD Aquatic Center. She also served as a leader with the Boy Scouts of America and Camp Fire Girls of Tyler. She loved to travel and her active life was characterized by love, especially for her children and grandchildren.
Diane is preceded in death by her grandparents William T. and Lillie Mae Morris Russell; her parents, William (Bill) and Mary Louise Clarkston Russell; and her son, Keith “Keither” Biggs.
She is survived by her daughters, Mary Ragsdale (Mike) of Tyler; Deborah Stroud (Rogan) of Lindale, David Biggs of Tyler; Grandchildren Susan McElroy (Rodney); Sarah Ragsdale, Shawn Ragsdale, Abram Cook, Andrew Cook (Molly); Moriah McClinton (Jeff); Billy Biggs, Diana Parker (Mychal), Brad Christopher (Hayley). 14 Great-Grandchildren and 1 Great-great Grandchild, along with a long list of cousins.
She is survived by her closest family and friends, Rusty Braziel (Teresa) of Lindale; Barbara Saleh of Tyler; Russ Hobbs of Tyler; Mark Runnels of New York, Darcey Harris, and her beloved fur-baby, Zeus.
A visitation will be held on Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler. A service to celebrate Diane’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2026 at Lloyd James Funeral Home Chapel, and her resting place will be at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lillie Russell Memorial Library, the place most held closest to Diane’s heart, where she loved to watch children read. The library holds special significance in memory of her grandmother, Lillie (Nee) Mae Russell.
