Barbara Wilson “Babs” Pippin

Published 3:50 pm Thursday, March 13, 2025

Barbara Wilson “Babs” Pippin, a homemaker cherished by family and friends for her warm personality and caring spirit, died March 7 at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange. She was 70.

Babs was born March 17, 1954 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Her family moved to New York and Pennsylvania before settling in Oak Ridge, TN., where Babs spent most of her childhood and teen years. She graduated from Farragut High School, near Knoxville, TN.

Babs married David M. “Mike” Pippin on her 19th birthday in 1973, and the newlyweds moved to Marion, Ala., where she worked alongside him as he began his newspaper career. With a gift for making friends easily, she served as her husband’s chief ambassador through multiple moves as he led newspapers in Auburn, Brewton, Tuscaloosa and Selma, AL., Union, S.C. and, beginning in 2001, LaGrange, GA.

Babs was a loving and devoted mother to her two sons, Alex and Wilson, and later relished her role as a grandmother. During her mother’s later years, Babs was her faithful caregiver.

In LaGrange, she worked at St. Mark’s Preschool, a job she adored and where she was loved by students and staff alike. She was a dedicated volunteer with Troup Cares health clinic, where her loyalty, friendliness and efficiency were invaluable to its operation. She was a beloved member of Willowood Garden Club and Builders Sunday School class at her church, First United Methodist of LaGrange.

Wherever she lived and served, people were drawn to Babs by her kindness and goodness. She spent a lifetime doing for others and made a habit of calling people by name. She maintained friendships from each community where she had lived.

Babs earned respect and inspired many people as she met personal tragedy with dignity, grace, a focus on gratitude and unwavering faith.

Survivors include her husband of 51 years, David M. “Mike” Pippin; her granddaughter, Mary Alexander Lee Pippin; grandsons J.D. Dennis and Jackson Dennis, brother and sister-in-law, Greg and Faye Wilson; brother, Edward Wilson Jr.; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Wilson and Patti Pippin Segal; brother-in-law, James Pippin Romedy and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Michael Alexander Pippin and Wilson Evan Pippin; her father, Edward D. Wilson; mother, Peggy W. Armstrong and brother, Steve Wilson.

A Celebration of Life service will be held March 21 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of LaGrange with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall. Granddaughter Mary Alex Pippin requests that those attending wear bright/spring colors.

Those desiring may make memorial gifts to First United Methodist Church, 401 Broad Street, LaGrange, GA. 30240 or Troup Cares, 301 Medical Drive, Suite 501, LaGrange, GA. 30240.

All arrangements are made by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.