News Summary
Chattanooga bids farewell to beloved community member Marie “Diane” Woody, who passed away on February 25, 2025. Diane’s life was marked by her loving spirit, dedication to family, and engagement with the community. From her childhood adventures in Oak Ridge to her role as a caregiver, she leaves a lasting impact filled with memories of love and support.
Chattanooga, Tennessee Remembers Marie “Diane” Woody: A Legacy of Love and Service
In a community filled with memories and heartfelt connections, Chattanooga said goodbye to a beloved local figure, Marie “Diane” Woody, who passed away on February 25, 2025. Born in Bradley County, Tennessee, on November 6, 1946, Diane lived a life rich in caregiving, family, and heartwarming community engagement.
A Childhood Fulfilled with Adventure
diane was the fifth of eight siblings and grew up in beautiful Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She reminisced about those unforgettable childhood days spent running free with her five sisters and two brothers, forging bonds that would withstand the test of time. With a solid foundation from Highland View Elementary School and Robertsville Junior High School, she finally graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1964, ready to embark on the next chapter of her life.
Court Success and a Flourishing Career
The 1960s were notable for Diane, not only for her blossoming career in accounts receivables but also for her remarkable prowess on the basketball court. Known as a standout player in the Women’s Church League of Oak Ridge, her athletic talents became a source of pride, satisfying both her competitive spirit and love for teamwork. After a fulfilling career with Waste Management, Inc. of America, she retired in 2009 and was ready to embrace new adventures.
Embracing Caregiving
Retirement for Diane wasn’t about relaxation; instead, it was a time of devotion to her family. Over the following seven years, she took on the sincere role of caregiver for her ailing mother. Their connection deepened; the two women enjoyed countless adventures, including taking her mother on her first-ever airplane ride. Together, they nurtured a shared passion for gardening and home-cooked meals, carving out a unique mother-daughter territory marked by love and togetherness.
Aunt Extraordinaire and Natural Caregiver
Although she never had children of her own, Diane poured her nurturing spirit into her 15 nieces and nephews, especially taking a hands-on role in helping to raise her niece and two nephews, Scott, Renea, and Wendy. Her family described her as a natural caregiver, always radiating wisdom and support, making her an irreplaceable presence in their lives. Diane’s heart was as large as her smile, a comforting beacon for those who adored her.
Farewell to Loved Ones
Diane’s journey was not without its share of heartache. She lost several beloved family members, including her longtime companion, Andy Daffron, and siblings Larry Woody, Carol Woody Hammonds Petty, Doris Woody Tichenor, Elaine Woody Stancell Luby, Janet Woody Coleman Carmack, and Mike Woody. Her niece, Renea Stancell Harding, also predeceased her, leaving a void that will never truly be filled.
Survived by Family and Friends
Despite these losses, Diane’s spirit lives on through her surviving family, including her sister, Debra Woody Thomas Dagnin, who now resides in Cape Town, South Africa. She is also survived by sister-in-law Karin Woody of Kingston, Tennessee, and her former sister-in-law, Darleen Ellis Woody Smith of Morristown, Tennessee. The love extended far and wide, including her chosen sister Delores Williams in Chattanooga, as well as caregiver nieces Wendy Stancell-Jenkins from Carlsbad, California, and Scott Stancell-Condron from both Boston, Massachusetts, and Palm Desert, California.
A Lasting Impact
Grateful for the love and support they shared, Diane’s family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to everyone who prayed and visited during her final days, as well as to the healthcare workers who provided comfort in her toughest moments. At her own request, there will be no formal services, and she will be interred at the family’s convenience, allowing for a private farewell befitting someone who cherished her family so dearly.
Remembering Diane
For those wishing to honor Diane’s legacy, memorial contributions may be made to SARGE in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, a fitting tribute given Diane’s commitment to caring for others. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cremation Center of Chattanooga located at 1345 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga.
Though Diane is no longer with us, her legacy of love, laughter, and community spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Benjamin Timmerman
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Legacy: James McKinney
- Google Search: Marie Diane Woody
- Taylor Funeral Home: Calvin Toney
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
- Heritage Chattanooga: Lamar Parker White
- Google News: Chattanooga Tennessee
- Legacy: Virginia Fox
- Google Scholar: Marie Diane Woody
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
