It is with great sadness that the family of Diane Boone Taylor announces the passing of their beloved mother, grandmother, sister, cousin and aunt. Born in Mercedes, Texas on December 28, 1937 to Cecil and Lila Boone, Diane grew up as a South Texas girl in the Rio Grande Valley. She fondly recalled the memory of palm-lined roads and the scent of the orange orchards in bloom. It was here she first attended school, an institution which would both educate her in the early years of her life and become the focus of her 30 year teaching career. While attending Pan American University, Diane was persuaded by a close friend to accept a blind date with a young teacher from the area. The date went so well that it led to a 54 year marriage to Mel Taylor, who preceded Diane on her final journey this past year. Diane was remarkable: a beautiful, petite lady who was tough, wise, and fiercely protective of her family, sacrificing herself for those she loved. Her pride and joy in her grandson was boundless. Diane made friends wherever she went. She drew on seemingly endless reserves of inner strength in her final years to care for her cherished husband through a long and difficult battle with Parkinson’s. While Diane’s family will miss her greatly, they remain joyful in the knowledge that Mel and Diane are reunited and walk side by side once more, as they had for so many years in life.
Diane is survived by her daughter Cindy and Ronnie Babcock of Athens, son Thomas Taylor and Richard Hernandez of Houston, grandson Owen Babcock of Dallas, Marylou and Archie Clayton, Amy Taylor, Don and Mildred Taylor, Rosie Fleming, Darlene and Lyndon Smith as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be conducted at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home in Athens, Texas on Monday, February 19, 2018 at 9:30 a.m.