Dianne Bunn Elliott

The devotion of her family and firm belief in God supported her through this struggle and ultimately gave her peace.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace Chatham and Betty Haney, stepfather Carl Thomas Haney, Sr., brother Lewis Lummus, sisters Anita Radford and Donna Lively, nephew Shane Bailey, and beloved husband, Ray Elliott, Sr.

Dianne was a loving and gentle soul, with an infectious laugh and warm smile. Complete strangers were drawn to her, often stopping to talk with her as though they'd known her forever. Likewise, she could carry on a conversation with them just as easily. She truly loved meeting and getting to know people, and those who met her never forgot her thoughtfulness and kindness. She had the gift of leaving her mark on people's hearts wherever she went.

Taking care of people was her greatest joy, often times putting the needs of others ahead of her own. For her, family was everything, and that included her close friends. She and her husband, Ray, created a loving home where all were welcome. She loved the holidays and family gatherings. Cooking was her passion and food was her love language. You were assured of leaving her house with a full belly, a plate for later and of course, a hug.

When spending time with friends and family, she was at her happiest.

No matter where she went, she took the time to connect with people. It didn't matter if it were her regular waitress, nurses, or bank employee, she knew all about them - how many children they had, who their spouse was, where they were from. It was her nature to not just chat with people, but really get to know them on a deeper personal level.

Though she birthed only one son, she was a mother figure to her nieces and nephews, loving each of them as though they were her own and was very involved in their upbringing. She was affectionately known as Granny and Memaw by all the young children of the family and she delighted in spoiling them rotten.

In her professional life, she worked at the Atlanta American Motor Hotel in Atlanta for more than 30 years. She began as a Front Desk Clerk and eventually worked her way up to their Accounting Manager. During that time, forging many lifelong friendships.

It is impossible to convey the true beauty of the soul that was Dianne. If you knew her, then you were blessed to have been touched by her thoughtfulness. You can't help but smile when you think of her.

She loved the Lord with all her heart and often said, “to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord”.

Though we are saddened by her passing, we will rejoice that she has returned to the Heavenly Father, reunited with friends and family who have passed before, but most importantly, her husband, Ray.

Dianne is survived by her only child, son Dane Elliott of Dallas, TX; brother, Tom Haney, Jr.; stepson Tom Elliott, Jr (Robin) of Lula, GA; grandson Jake Elliott of Lula, GA; grandson Eric Elliott (Kaitlyn) of Buford, GA; stepdaughter Lisa Elliott of Fairburn, GA; grandson Billy Wardlaw (Lizette) of Decatursville, TN and children Summer and Madden; granddaughter Heather Vinson (Jerrece) of Winder, GA and children Brysen, Kaden and Aniyah; niece Ann Hare (Dave) of Crandall, GA, son Colin, son Cody and children Charlotte and Christopher; niece Priscilla Campbell (Tim) of McDonough, GA and son Daniel; nephew Johnny Radford (Wendy) of Cedartown, GA and children Katelyn, Brayen, Chloe and Jaxson; nephew Bill Lively of Brookhaven, GA; nephew James Lively of Rome, GA, as well as many dear friends and extended family.

A visitation of family and friends will be held for Dianne on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Horis A. Ward Funeral Home - Fairview Chapel | 376 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281. A celebration of her life will follow the visitation at 1:00 PM in Ward's Chapel. Services will conclude with a graveside committal at Fairview Memorial Gardens | 164 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281.

Dianne’s final wishes were that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society or St Jude’s Children Hospital.