Sara Diane Thompson, known affectionately as Diane to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2024, at the Hospice House in Greenwood, South Carolina. Born on March 26, 1952, in Augusta, Georgia, Diane's life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and selfless devotion to her family.
Diane's early years in Johnston, SC were filled with the warmth of a close-knit family. She was the beloved daughter of the late Edna Turner Parkman and Eugene Trapp Parkman. Her childhood was shared with her siblings, Allen (Gayle) Parkman, Linda Parkman Gravlee, and the late Irvin Parkman, all of whom cherished her deeply.
A graduate with a high school diploma, Diane dedicated her life to creating a loving home as a homemaker. Her doors were always open, her kitchen always bustling with the smell of home-cooked meals, and her garden a testament to her nurturing spirit. Diane's home was not just a structure; it was a sanctuary of comfort and joy for all who entered.
Diane's legacy is carried on through her adoring family. She was a guiding light to her daughter, Shasta Wideman, and a source of boundless love and wisdom to her grandchildren, Whitney (Kareem Anderson) Turner, Courtney (Ny'Keidre' Strong) Wideman, and Parker Wideman. Her great-grandchildren, Kemari, Khloee, Kingston Anderson and Kylen, Kamdyn, and Korey Strong, were the apples of her eye, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
Those who knew Diane will remember her for the love she so freely gave and the laughter she so readily shared. Her sense of humor was infectious, and her selfless nature knew no bounds. She had a unique ability to make each person feel special and loved, a trait that endeared her to many.
Diane's interests were a reflection of her love for life and nature. An avid reader, she could often be found with a book in hand, lost in the pages of a gripping story. Her garden was her haven, a place where she cultivated not just plants, but also joy and serenity.
As we bid farewell to Diane, we celebrate a life well-lived. Her loving, funny, and selfless personality will forever be etched in the hearts of those she touched. Diane's memory will continue to bloom in the stories shared, the gardens nurtured, and the books read in her honor.
Diane's departure leaves behind a void that can never be filled, but her spirit will continue to guide and inspire her family and friends. She has left an indelible mark on this world, and her legacy of love and laughter will resonate for generations to come.
A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Sara Diane Thompson was a beacon of light in the lives of many, and though she has set on her final horizon, the warmth of her presence will be felt always and forever.
A special "thank you" to John Donlon and Vicki Bouzos for looking after Nanny when they were unable to.