Martha Jane Long Babin was born in Beaumont, Texas on September 1, 1923 in the home of her parents, Effie Eleanor Sims Long and John Charles Long, Sr. In 1940 she graduated from French High School, where she served as drum major. In 1940, she won first place in the Texas declamatory speaking competition. She received an Associate of Arts degree from Lamar College in 1942, where she was a member of The Revelers and chosen as one of the Ten Most Beautiful Girls. After graduating from Lamar, she married her high school sweetheart, Whitney Charles Babin, Jr. While W. C. was in the Army Air Corps cadet pilot training, she went with him when possible. Once W. C. was discharged from the Army Air Corps, they made their home in Beaumont. She and W. C. loved to dance and were members of several dance clubs. They also loved to travel and made five trips around the world.
She was chosen as the Sweetheart of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and Honor Girl of Alpha Omega Sunday School Class of First United Methodist Church and later served as class president. One of her favorite activities at First Methodist was serving as wedding coordinator. She was one the founders of the Beaumont Mental Health Association and served on its advisory board for many years, and also served on the advisory board of Land Manor. Martha was a member of the Woman's Club of Beaumont, and its clubhouse on Magnolia Avenue was listed in the National Register of Historic Buildings during her presidency in 1981. She was a sought after model for civic and charity style shows. Known as an accomplished and congenial bridge player, she played in various private clubs, the Beaumont Bridge Studio, and traveled to play in duplicate tournaments. A long time member of the Heritage Museum League of the John J. French House, she served in many capacities, was also active in the Symphony Society. She was a charter member of the Mamie McFaddin Ward House Service Guild and earned her diamond pin through many hours of service in the visitor center there. Martha was also a member of the Texas Gulf Coast Historical Society and Wisteria Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star and was a volunteer at St. Elizabeth Hospital for many years. For twenty years she worked as office manager of Babin Machine Works.
The quintessential grandmother, she took her grandsons, Whitney Alfred Campbell and Gregory Cameron Cox, as well as their friends, to school and activities. While her grandsons were acolytes at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, she was an active member there and was a member of the Altar Guild and the Daughters of the King. She later returned to First United Methodist and her beloved friends in Alpha Omega.
Not even Alzheimer's disease could diminish her gracious manner and vivid personality. She made the people around her feel that they were important and valuable. Her life enriched all who came in contact with her. She led by example. She was a speaker in great demand. An accomplished hostess, she graciously entertained her many friends. Nothing was too much trouble, and she coddled us all. Many thanks to her loyal friends who never forgot her during her long illness.
Her surviving family includes her daughter, Regina Cox, of Beaumont; grandsons, Whitney Alfred Campbell and his wife Jacquetta of The Woodlands, Texas, and Gregory Cameron Cox of Houston, Texas; her brother, John Presley Long, Houston, Texas; nephews, John Presley Long, Jr. and Robert Keith Long, Dallas, Texas.
Thank you to the nurses and staff of Calder Woods, Odyssey Hospice, and Pamela Garrett for their care during her illness. Thank you to the St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Daughters of the King and Altar Guild for the many beautiful altar flowers during her illness. A very special thank you to Jennie Simon and Reverend Robert Collier for many years of valued friendship.
Memorial services will be 1:00 P.M.Tuesday, October 24, 2006 in the Longe Chapel at First United Methodist Church, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive. A reception for family and friends will follow in the Rothwell Hall at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Burns Hospital-Galveston, 815 Market Street, Galveston, Texas 77550-9969 or to the charity of your choice.
