Diane Lynn Mathis

Diane Lynn Mathis, angel to us all, passed away Friday morning, October 25, 2013 after a short stay in the hospital. She was born as one of twins on October 11, 1953 along with her brother, Donnie L. Mathis of Jackson, MI. She was born with Downs Syndrome and her parents had a choice of raising her in the home environment or sending her to a state-run home for the disabled. They chose to raise her at home where she provided many lessons in love, patience and humility to both her family and others. Diane always greeted everyone with a big hug and an "I love you". She was much loved and will be greatly missed by us all.

Diane is survived by her siblings; Lou Eva (Leo) Spencer and Carolyn J. Gruys of Battle Creek, Helen (Charlie) Stagnaro of Athens, TN, Claudia Levy of Atlantic Beach, FL, David (Susan) Mathis of Ogden, Utah and Donnie (Cyndy) Mathis of Jackson, MI, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.. She was preceded in death by her parents, Coy and Alvilda Mathis, and her brother-in-law, Pete Gruys.

A visitation will be held 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday, October 28, 2013 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where funeral services to celebrate Diane's life will be held 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 29, 2013. Interment will follow next to her parents at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorials directed to the Special Olympics and/or the Calvary Baptist Church would be appreciated. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.