Diana Marie Dugat Braly Turnbow

Diana Marie Dugat Braly Turnbow, 90, of Beeville, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. A fourth generation Beevillian, Diana was born in Beeville on August 7, 1935, to William Denis Dugat, Sr. and Francisca Kessler Dugat.

She was a graduate of A.C. Jones High School and the University of Texas with a BS in Elementary Education. She married Dr. Dudley Quick Braly, DDS, in 1957 at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Beeville, Texas. She and Dudley’s lives centered around their family, church, civic and volunteer activities. They were married for 41 years, until the passing of Dudley on April 25, 1999. In 2017, she married James Markley Turnbow. She and Jim enjoyed companionship, social activities and traveling.

Diana chose and took delight in serving others. Her commitment to helping others extended to her involvement in various organizations over the years, including numerous leadership roles at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Daughters of the King, Episcopal Diocese of West Texas-UTO Chairman, Bee County Historical Society, Junior Service League, Mother’s Club, Pan American Round Table, Beta Club, Victoria Area Alum Club of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Beeville Panhellenic, Bee County Bicentennial Committee, Rosetta Club, Wednesday Luncheon Club, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Barnhart Volunteer Mentor, Vineyard Volunteer/Board Member, Glenwood Cemetery Board Member, Bee County Library Board Member, and a teacher and member of the Bee County Literacy Council.

Honors and recognitions included 2009 Honored Women of the Diocese of West Texas and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Queen of the Mardi Gras in 1981. She received her 50-year Kappa Kappa Gamma pin in 2005.

Diana was often thought to be the epitome of grace and kindness, a poised and elegant lady - yet gentle in nature. Her generosity, compassion and consideration of others radiated in her words, her beautiful smile and her temperament. She touched many lives and her circle of friends spanned across the state, painting a vivid image of her childhood, university years and adult life. She had a curiosity that drove her desire to learn and be a zealous reader. Music brought her joy and lifted her spirits. She loved and mentored many special Godchildren. The hallmark of Diana’s life is a beautiful tapestry of faith, love and family - a legacy that will shine brightly as a reminder of the Braly matriarch.

Diana is preceded in death by her parents, William and Francis Dugat; her brother, Rev. William Denis Dugat Jr. and his wife Gwen; and her husbands, Dr. Dudley Braly and Jim Turnbow.

Diana is survived by her daughters, Anita Braly (Marty) English and Alice Braly (Mike) Whitley; grandchildren, Russell (Rebecca) English, Carter (Taylor) English, Clayton (Trish) Whitley and Sarah (Tanner) Sparks; and nine great-grandchildren, Jet, Thomas, West and Dash Whitley; Eleanor, Abigail and Isabelle English; and Sloane and Miles Sparks.

She is also survived by her cousins, Helen Dickensheets, Sidney Dugat, Byron Ray Dugat and Irene Stephens; and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank her companions and caregivers Janie Ayala, Dominique Brock, Cookie Campos, Laly Contreras, Hannah Cuevas, Gloria Flores, Patricia Ganceres, Janie Gomez, Adrienne Pena and additional gratitude to special friends Joe Cano and Charlie Schanen.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 22, at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home in Beeville.

The funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 23, at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church with Father Clayton Elder and Father Andrew Green officiating. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Russell English, Carter English, Clayton Whitley, Tanner Sparks, Bill Dugat III and Tim Braly.

Honorary pallbearers will be Carl Mayberry, Jim McCollom, Steve Gruy, David Turnbow, Robert Turnbow and Joel Braly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Diana’s name to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 311 E. Corpus Christi St., Beeville, TX 78102 or to the Beeville Historical Society, P.O. Box 142, Beeville, TX 78104.