Barbara Jean Brigance

Barbara Jean Brigance was born in Brownfield, TX on December 17, 1931, she went peacefully to the Lord on Monday, October 5, 2026 after a lengthy journey with dementia. She was preceded in death by her first-born son, Ricky, and husband Nelson, her parents Terrell Troy and Sylvia Miller, and sister Roxanne Patterson. She is survived by her sons Randall and Russ and their families. She has four grandchildren, Daniel, Ricky, Christina and Matthew and two great grandchildren Jayden and Camila.

Born and raised in Brownfield, TX she lived in farmland. She married her high school sweetheart, Nelson Brigance, in March 1951. Nelson joined the service soon after in 1952, and was relocated to Sandia Airforce Base in Albuquerque. Together they moved and settled in Albuquerque to raise their family and pursue their careers. She was a stay-at-home mother for many years where she kept busy raising her family and attending the boys’ athletic events throughout their lives.

As they got older, she went to work in the Financial Aid Office at the University of New Mexico where she retired after 27 years. She made many long-lasting friends while working and always spoke fondly of them. After retirement she enjoyed and spoiled her grandchildren and learned to paint in her spare time. She cherished her fur baby, D.O.G., who was a constant companion to her for many years.

Barbara will be remembered as an unforgettable, beautiful soul, a devoted wife, and an exceptionally loving mother and grandmother. She was slow (if ever) to anger, and such a joyful, cherished presence in her family. A devout Methodist, she was a strong faithful woman. She was selfless, a true gem. Her favorite color was red, and this was a big part of her personality. She wore it beautifully and ‘loudly’ as she would say. She loved her family and gathered everyone especially at Christmas. This was her favorite time of year and will be remembered in her many beautiful decorations and enthusiasm for the season. It was always such an event to have her grandchildren help her decorate her house. Barbara lived in Albuquerque for 74 years, enjoyed many wonderful friendships and during her life. Everyone who met her knew how special she was; she will always be in our hearts.

The family would like to thank all the staff at La Vida Llena, especially her caregivers, and Road Runner Hospice for their loving care during her final months. They all knew her as “grandma”.

A service to bury her cremains will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 North Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM