Diana Jane Deatherage Waldrip

Diana Deatherage Waldrip,78, slipped the surly bonds of earth into the arms of Jesus on January 21, 2025. She had fought a courageous and debilitating battle with leukemia for two years. She was born August 7, 1946.

Preceded in death by parents Glenden Ferrell and Dorothy Cochran Deatherage, and sister Glenda Faye Deatherage. Survived by husband William A. Waldrip, Jr., son Brandon Adair Waldrip (Kelly), grandchildren Austin Adair Waldrip and Addison Grace Waldrip, and sister Karen Deatherage Lane.

Diana was crowned as Miss Knoxville 1968 and loved her experiences in pageants.

Diana was a talented vocalist and shared her faith in the choirs at First Baptist Fountain City and along with singing in the choir she directed children’s choirs at Mt. Olive and Sevier Heights Baptist Church. She was well known for directing high quality children’s musical productions shared with the community.

One of her favorite ministry’s was sending cards for every occasion to friends, family and church members. Diana was a loved teacher at Anderson and Dogwood Elementary Schools where she was Teacher of the Year in 2000. She was a well-respected mentor to many new teachers throughout her career. She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed telling hilarious stories about her students and husband. Diana had a love for nature and was an avid hiker and hiked up Mt. LeConte multiple times.

She loved traveling all over the country with her family and numerous bus trips with her husband and friends. Diana formed many lifelong friendships and participated in activities with her church’s Women’s Ministry, College and Career, Mt. Olive Hiking Club, Canasta Group and Central High Class of 1964.

The family will have a private funeral service. In lieu of flowers please donate to Knox County Association of Baptists Disaster Relief Fund, 7709 Westland Dr., Knoxville, TN 37919. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Waldrip family at www.berryfuneralhome.com

Berry Funeral Home

3704 Chapman Highway

Knoxville, TN 37920

865-577-6666

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