Diana Jean Perry

Diana Jean Perry, 77, passed away on November 15, 2015. She was born on July 22, 1938 in Hot Springs to the late Sanford and Bernice Dale. She graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1956 and then attended the University of Arkansas, joining her future husband, Stuart. They were married in August 1957 and Diana continued her education until Stuart’s graduation in May of 1958. Following completion of Stuart’s military commitment, they returned to Little Rock and raised their son Stephen and daughter Shannon.

Diana was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, was extremely proud of her family, and cherished the time she spent sharing in their lives. Retiring in 1993 to their Lake Hamilton home in Hot Springs gave her time to enjoy a wide range of interests. She was an accomplished quilter; her quilts were exhibited and won awards at International Quilt Shows. She was active in several quilting groups and enjoyed countless hours working with fellow quilters perfecting her talent. She also had been active in various other groups that include Antique Mechanical Music, Miniature, Classic Boat and Classic Car International organizations. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Saints and Sinners class.

Diana was a long time member of Garvan Woodland Gardens and was passionate about her involvement in the Gardens, accumulating over 2000 hours of volunteer time. She was named Volunteer of the Year in 2006. She felt privileged to be able to provide financial support for several Garden attractions including the Shannon Perry Hope-Shannon Springs Overlook, Anthony Chapel, and the Perry Wildflower Overlook. She was inducted into University of Arkansas “Towers of Old Main” in 2009 in recognition of her support of the UofA through Garvan Woodland Gardens.

Diana was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Shannon Perry Hope and her granddaughter, Catherine Cain Perry. Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Stuart Perry; son, Stephen Perry (Laurie); granddaughters, Anna Perry and Shannon “Amy” Westlake (Drew); a very special nephew, Dale Bennett (Chrystie) of Little Rock; and sister Joy Bennett of Hot Springs.