Clara Dean Bigby

November 22, 1931 – March 12, 2025

Clara Dean Bigby Bybee passed away peacefully the morning of March 12, 2025 at her home in Houston, Harris County, Texas. She was 93 years of age. Born on November 22, 1931 in Sand Springs, Tulsa County, Oklahoma to Clarence Olander Bigby and Edith Opal Pyatt Bigby, Dean lived a life full of love for her family, friends, community and nation.

Dean attended the University of Oklahoma where she was a member of the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. After graduating from OU, Dean moved to Dallas and attended Highland Park United Methodist Church where she met her precious husband, John Clinton Bybee, Jr. Fifty-eight and a half years of loving marriage followed between two best friends. In 1965, the happy couple moved to the Memorial Bend neighborhood in Houston where she quickly became involved in many of the neighborhood activities. Dean was a teacher at Wilchester Elementary School before joining her husband in his real estate business endeavors.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Dean joined the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution on April 19, 1982, through their ancestor Joseph Pyatt of Virginia. She was a member of the Lady Washington Chapter, Houston, Texas for 42 years where she served as chair of various committees and held offices including Chapter Treasurer 2003-2005 and Chapter Regent 1991-1993. Being a passionate genealogist, she also proved eight additional Revolutionary War Patriots. She served the Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution as a State Chair DAR School Committee and State Chair DAR Museum. At the time of her death, Dean was serving the National Society as National Vice Chair Special Projects Committee. Her passion for education led to service on the Board of Trustees for Tamassee DAR School in South Carolina. Proud of her Cherokee heritage, Dean supported education for Native American children throughout her adult life. She also served the Houston Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park as President.

Dean was an accomplished seamstress who loved to hand quilt and educate others on quilting. She was also an avid gardener and loved her azaleas. She enjoyed playing the piano and pump organ. As an antique collector, Dean and Clint purchased many pieces of American walnut furniture to fill their home in the Memorial Forest neighborhood and their dream home in Hunters Creek Village.

In 1984, Deanie and Clint purchased the High Winds farm in Hamilton County, Texas which they owned for 35 years. They enjoyed raising cattle, hay and making cherished friendships. Dean loved having her family visit at their property in Cat Spring, Texas after the sale of the farm.

Dean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, parents and brother, William Dan Bigby. She is survived by nephew Craig Bigby who lovingly assisted her in recent years; niece Dana Bigby Simms (Rob and sons Matthew (Taryn) and Will (Hunter and children Jett and Dylan); niece Jana Bigby Wallace (husband Kenny and children Shelby (Tara and sons Dayton and Walker), Thomas Kinser and Chloe). The family will gather for a private interment at Forest Park Lawndale, Houston, where Dean will be laid to rest with her husband, Clint.

Those wishing to honor Dean may direct memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org) or the charity of one’s choice.

Dean was a fiercely loyal friend and mentor. Though she has left this earthly life, her gift of inspiring love and devotion in others will live on through each of us.