Diane P. Whittenburg
Diane P. Whittenburg, 78, of Beaumont, died Friday, May 23, 2025. She was born on November 4, 1946, in Dallas, Texas to Mildred Maurine Johnson and James Coe Phillips.
Survivors include her husband, Jo Ben Whittenburg, of Beaumont; daughter, Alison McGauley and her husband, Matthew Williams, of Austin; son, Christopher McGauley and partner, Melinda Chisholm, of Kingwood; sister, Elizabeth Phillips Weinert and her husband, John; grandchildren, Lauren Mae McGauley and Matthew James McGauley; Amelia Claire Williams and Quinn Christopher Williams; Henry Cyrus Whittenburg and Farrah Eleanor Whittenburg; and Payton Bauer; her nieces and nephews Jenni Karlstom, Jordan Weinert, Will Weinert and Matthew Phillips; and sister in law, Becky Phillips.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Tim Phillips.
Diane graduated from Permian High School in Odessa, Texas, and attended Texas Tech University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. She received her Masters of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Texas. Diane was recognized as the Distinguished Alumnus of Texas Tech University in 1997.
Diane was an unconditionally loving mother to Alison and Chris and all of her grandchildren. She was a fierce advocate for underserved families. She instilled values of social justice and equity for all to her children and grandchildren. She tirelessly dedicated her life to working with survivors of abuse and their families. She will always be remembered for her passion to help families who were unjustly ensnared in the carceral system. She truly had a special insight for these families and worked hard to improve society’s treatment of young people, especially girls.
Jo Ben was the love and light of her life. She loved him like no other. Their love is the kind you read about in books and see in movies. The kind of true love that most only dream of.
Diane was a fierce advocate for women and children and dedicated herself to working on their behalf in her varied positions over the years. She served as the Director of Landaur Non-Profit Daycare Center for Underserved Families in Dallas and was the Director for Women and Children Services of the YMCA of Dallas. She then served as Deputy Director of the Juvenile Detention Center in Dallas. As Executive Director of the Family Place in Dallas, she was able to help many women and children who had been victims of violence. She served on and was a leader of the Board of Directors for the Texas Council On Family Violence. Diane was especially proud to have served as the Executive Director of Sexual Assault Prevention and Crisis Services for the State of Texas under then Attorney General John Cornyn.
Diane’s journey through more than 25 years of sobriety and recovery became a source of hope and strength for countless women facing their own battles. Diane regularly opened her home to bring women together, creating sacred spaces where friendships could deepen, sponsorship could flourish, and networks of support could take root. She showed others how to be vulnerable with one another, how to trust one another, and how to lift each other up. She gave many women the gift of sustained relationships and companionship.
She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to supporting women in recovery, serving as a sponsor, mentor, and unwavering source of strength to those taking steps toward healing. Her guidance and experience transformed lives and leaves a legacy of hope and healing. Diane lived a life full of dignity and grace which showed others that recovery was possible and that they deserved a life filled with purpose and joy.
One of her favorite things to do was spend time at her beach house with Jo Ben and family. Taking her grandchildren to the Big Store, going to the slides and watching them on the beach from the porch are cherished memories. She also loved her roses and enjoyed time in her back garden listening to the wind chimes and waterfalls.
Diane was cared for in her final illness and loved by not only Jo Ben, but by Amanda Hernandez and Michelle Bryant. Diane’s family gives the most heartfelt thanks them for treating Diane like family and for all of their love and care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Mrs. Whittenburg may be made to Safe Alliance, https://www.safeaustin.org/, or Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org/.
A gathering of Mrs. Whittenburg’s family and friends will begin at 12:00 p.m., with her funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- May 31, 2025
- 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Funeral Service
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- May 31, 2025
- 2:00 pm
Interment
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
Jo Ben, you and your family have my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Diane. I always loved seeing the two of you together. And I love the photo of her here, so vibrant, beautiful, and happy! Her bright spirit shines.!!!
I pray peace for you, and hope that the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Diane is a sweet memory. She will Always live in your heart!
Dear sweet Jo Ben
I just learned of Diana’s passing. I always loved when she came in to the Mail Room and when you came to find her something special that you knew she would love.
Your love for each other was a real blessing to see
Our visits always left me feeling happy
My prayers are with you to give yourself grace in your grieving and know that the love you shared carries on
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family
Kathy Peyton
My sincere condolences to the family of Diane. She was such an amazing powerhouse and influential leader during her reign at The Family Place. She manifested a vision of creative and impactful system of services that others marveled at in awe. And for some like myself, we were able learn from her wisdom and dedication. Thirty three years later and I still value those lessons I learned from Diane. She was a champion for others and can now rest.
Jo Ben, my brother sent us the sad news of losing Diane. You and the children are in our thoughts and prayers. When things settle down a bit for you, perhaps we can talk. Link has been in ill health for a few years now but would love to connect. God Bless dear friend.
My deepest sympathies on your loss Jo Ben, I truly enjoyed Diane, she will be missed greatly
I am deeply sorry for Diane’s passing. We became close here in Austin years ago and I am so grateful to have had such deep, quality time with her here. She was so determined to always to be of service to others and grow herself. I will remember her always with love. I send my care and love to you Jo Ben especially and to her children and extended family.
Jo Ben,
A friend found your wife’s obituary in the Dallas paper and sent it to us when he saw that Diane had graduated from Permian and he thought we might know you two. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Diane was obviously someone who enriched the lives of everyone she knew.
Apologies Liz. I am sorry for the loss of your sister.
Thank you Tim!
Liz, my sincere condolences to you and your family in the loss of your mother.
I will always have fond memories of Diane and remember her bright smile and warm personality. I know she worked tirelessly to help other women. We both shared a love for the beach and it always came up when we spoke. My sincere condolences to Jo Ben and family. May you all have peace and comfort in this time of loss.
My deepest sympathy to Joe Ben and the rest of the family and friends. May God bless you all.
Gail Foreman
In the midst of death, there is loving remembrance. We all leave footprints behind. The Bible reminds us that the memory of the righteous is blessed (Proverbs 10:7). For Christian believers, death is no frightful leap in the dark but entrance into a glorious new life. The apostle Paul recognized the truth of eternity set in his heart when he said, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). And when Paul penned his last loving letter to Timothy he said, “The time is here for me to leave this life. I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith. And now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day – and not only to me, but to all those who wait with love for him to appear.”
Diane ran a blessed race and leaves a legacy of fearless devotion to all she loved and the countless lives she touched. My prayers are with your family as you navigate the waters of grief and seek comfort in the promise of seeing her smiling face before you again.
Thank you Nicole.
Sending our warmest condolences to you and your dear family. Diane will be missed deeply. We honor her life well lived. Love, Mimi & Nasser
Thoughts and prayers for family and many friends of this wonderful lady who touched so may lives!
I loved Diane for 50 years. She has been my unsurpassed friend even though we have been separated by many miles for half of those years. Her sense of humor and ability to react to the absurd, sometimes with indignation and sometimes with vibrant laughter, made her a multi-faceted companion. She did brilliant work for women & children and deeply loved all members of her family, especially Alison, Chris, Jo Ben, Tim, and Liz, (Amelia, Quinn, Lauren, Matthew, and The Royal Child and her brother whose names I’m ashamed I do not recall & Tim’s son). I will forever miss Diane like a sister.
Diane was a wonderful lady and will be missed. Sincere condolences to Jo Ben and her family and friends.
My sincere sympathy to Diane’s family.
She will be missed by many friends in the rooms, may she rest in peace.
Jo Ben-
So sorry for your loss. I’m praying for you and your family, love you.
We are so sorry for your great loss. Prayers of peace and comfort for you and your family.