Dianne Stephens, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and lifelong educator, passed away on October 3, 2023. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Rev. Sam Stephens, of Rome, GA. Dianne’s memory will live on through her daughters, Gaile Stephens (Ph.D.) of Emporia, KS, and Anne Marie Mitchell, her son-in-law Roger ‘Chip’ Mitchell, along with her cherished grandsons, Raleigh, Sam, and Luke Mitchell.
Dianne was born in Kentucky and shared a special bond with her surviving sisters, Ellen Fore of Lexington, KY, and Linda Bradley of Columbia, MO, as well as her nieces and nephews. Dianne’s educational journey took her through various institutions. She earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education English at the University of Kentucky, a master’s degree in reading education at the University of Georgia, and an education specialist degree in literacy education at Valdosta State University.
Throughout her life, Dianne was dedicated to the field of education. She began her teaching career in Nelson County, Kentucky, and later moved to Colquitt County, Georgia, where she taught from 1980 to 2000. Dianne’s commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, as she worked with educators throughout Southwest Georgia through RESA (Regional Education Service Agency), where she served as an English Language consultant until 2015.
Dianne was not only an educator but also a compassionate and active member of her community. She was involved with the Fostering Grace program at Pleasant Valley North Baptist Church, supporting children and families in the Foster Care system. Prior to her time in Rome, she was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Moultrie, GA. Over the course of 25 years, she taught Children’s Choir, was an integral part of the church choir, and taught Sunday School for many years.
In her spare time, Dianne enjoyed reading, studying her Bible, indulging in chocolate, embarking on road trips, and, most of all, spending quality time with her beloved grandchildren.
Dianne’s kindness, dedication, and love will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love and learning will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.
A memorial service to celebrate Dianne’s life will be held at Pleasant Valley North Baptist Church in Rome, GA, on Saturday, Oct. 21st at 1:00 PM. A visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 20th, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, in Rome, GA.
A memorial service will also be held at First Baptist Church of Moultrie, GA, at a later date. Please check back for complete arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Fostering Grace Ministry via Pleasant Valley North Baptist Church https://onrealm.org/pvn/-/form/give/now or the Colquitt County Educational Foundation https://brightercolquitt.org/donate/.
Please join us in honoring the memory of Dianne Stephens, a remarkable woman who made a lasting impact on the lives of many.
