Mary Diane Waller

WALLER, Diane- age 59, died in Destin, Florida, on Monday, October 24, 2011, of heart ailments. She was born January 25, 1952, in Memphis, TN, to Beryl V. and Geneva C. Waller. Diane moved to Nashville in 1966 from Clarksdale, MS. She graduated from Hillsboro High School and later the University of Tennessee. During college summers she began working at Waller Buick Co. in Nashville under the tutelage of her father, later joining the dealership full-time after graduation. Upon the death of her father she became the youngest and only female auto dealer in the Southeast. Her career in the car business lasted more than 25 years, creating lifelong friendships and forging a path for women in the industry. Far more important to

her, however, was her role as a mother to son, Whitney, sister to Gail, and as a friend to many in Nashville, and in Mississippi. After retiring in 2009 she spent more time at her beloved beach, traveled abroad, and simply enjoyed having more time with her friends and family, who are saddened and shocked by her sudden passing. She was a loving and caring soul who will be greatly missed. She is survived by her son, Johnathan Whitney Waller Mills of Denver, CO, sister, Gail Waller, brother in law, Tim Schwertfeger and nephew, Andrew Waller Schwertfeger, all of Chicago, IL. Funeral services will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Sat., Oct. 29, 2011 at 12 p.m. Visitation at the church will be held, Fri., Oct. 28 from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Interment will be private. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Westminster Presbyterian Church (nashvillewpc.org) or to Second Harvest Food Bank (secondharvestmidtn.org), a charity she admired.