Diane Watson

Diane Woods Watson, 72, passed away while surrounded by loving members of her family on Friday, February 8, 2013. After a courageous 12 year battle with Cerebellar Multiple System Atrophy, Diane died from complications from the disease.

A native of northern Virginia and a proud graduate of Shepherd University, Diane spent a career as a teacher in the Fairfax County Public School System where she was a county finalist for "Teacher of the Year." Her excellence was further recognized in the workshops she was asked to present to share her teaching techniques with colleagues. During her 31 years as a teacher, Diane enriched the lives of hundreds of children with her unique and joyful instruction and classroom environment.

As a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Diane's zest for life and ability to always see the "sunny side" of any situation was nothing short of miraculous, and her indomitable spirit was both an example and a source of inspiration for all whose lives she touched.

Survivors include her adoring husband Ray to whom she was married 50 years, her son John, daughter Paige Hatley, loving sister Susan Liberty and four grandchildren who loved "Nana" with all their hearts.

Memorial services will be at 1pm Friday, February 15th at the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home in Athens, GA.

In-lieu of flowers the family encourages contributions be made to the CUREPSP Foundation which can be found at www.curepsp.org.

On-line condolences may be made at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.