Diana Choyce

August 29, 1935 – November 8, 2022

Diana Randall Choyce, 87, transitioned to Heaven on November 8, 2022. She was faithful wife of 50

years to Hal, a beloved mom to her only child, Christy, mother-in-love to Chip, an all-star grandmother

to Christopher and Caroline, and treasured friend to an untold number of people. She was affectionately

known as Diana Dale, Diane, Dale, “Ms. Choyce,” and Dee, the name given by her grandchildren.

Diane was born in Columbia, Kentucky to Harold Collins Randall “Grandoc,” and Estelle Pittenger Randall

“Ranny,” on August 29, 1935. She was devoted big sister to two brothers, Walter Terrell Randall (Nancy)

of Floyd Knobs, Indiana, and Philip York Randall (Pat). Diane graduated from Adair County High School

and Georgetown College, then moved to Atlanta, Georgia and began a 42-year career teaching in

Atlanta and Fulton County Public Schools. Her move to Atlanta was, in part, because she secured her

first teaching job. However, it’s a poorly kept family secret that she really moved to Atlanta to watch her

two brothers who were collegiate basketball stars at Georgia Tech University.

Her move to Atlanta also proved to be providential as she met a handsome young Hal Haddon Choyce at

Colonial Homes apartments where they both lived. Hal and Diane married on September 3, 1966 at the

Cathedral of Saint Phillip in Atlanta. Hal grew up in the Episcopal church, but Diane’s Baptist roots,

cultivated years before in Kentucky, made it clear to Hal that they would plant their lives at SecondPonce de Leon Baptist Church on Peachtree Road in Atlanta.

Hal and Diane’s only daughter, Christy, was born just a year later in 1967. Christy was their pride and

joy. Diane was an intentional mom who ensured Christy had every possible opportunity to be all God

created her to be. The family was involved in every facet of church life at Second-Ponce. Diane served in

many church roles including involvement in music ministry, teaching and directing Singles and Adult

Sunday School classes, leading the greeters and welcome teams, and even served in part-time capacities as church receptionist.

In James 1:22 followers of Jesus Christ are instructed to be “doers of the Word and not hearers only.”

Diane exemplified this in every area of her life. She loved God and others and lived her life to serve.

The last several years of Diane’s life were marked by physical challenges and limitations. Yet, she

continued to impact everyone with her determination and heart. The family is thankful for God’s

provision in the kindness and care from her many nurses and caregivers at Elite Nursing Home (Mt.

Royal) in Birmingham.

A celebration of remembrance to thank God for her life will be held on Thursday, November 10 at 3:00

pm in the Chapel of Hunter Street Baptist Church, 2600 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover. Financial gifts

given in memory of Diane should be given directly to the Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family

Ministries, 2681 Rocky Ridge Lane, Birmingham, AL 35216. www.alabamachild.org/give

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Choyce family.