Sharon "Diane" (Russell) Byerly

January 26, 1940 – July 18, 2025

With full hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Sharon Diane Russell Byerly, on July 18, 2025, at the age of 85.

Diane lived a life marked by grace, hospitality, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. The youngest child of Beckley and Myrtie Russell, she was raised among five loving siblings. She now rejoins them in glory and is lovingly remembered by her sister, Helen Winterton, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In 1960, Diane married the love of her life, Major Kirk L. Byerly. Their marriage was a true partnership, rooted in faith, laughter, and service to others.

A devoted mother and gifted teacher, Diane nurtured not only her own children but countless young lives through her roles as a preschool and Sunday School teacher. Her quiet strength, patience, and joy made her home a haven.

As a longtime member of First Baptist Church Woodstock, Diane served faithfully on the hospitality team, as a Sunday School administrator, and in the adult choir for many years. Her service reflected a life fully lived for others and for Christ.

She is dearly remembered by her children, Sharon Lynn Byerly-Wolford (Duane Wolford), Kimberly Elaine Byerly-Jones (Gerald “Jerry” Jones Jr.) and Kevin Lavile Byerly (Sheri Byerly); grandchildren, Austin Jones (Adriana Jones), Ashley Jones-Neese (Blake Neese), Andrew Byerly, Benjamin Byerly, Katherine Byerly, and her beloved great-grandchildren, Regan Neese, Wyatt Neese, Ariel Jones

Even through her journey with dementia, Diane’s gentle spirit endured. She found comfort in hugs, music, and prayer—constant reminders of God’s presence. Though her memory faded, His Word remained.

Diane’s life was a testimony of love and faith. She welcomed others with open arms, offered prayer without hesitation, and lived her faith every day. She was a prayer warrior who trusted the Lord with everything.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, July 22, at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, Kennesaw, Georgia. Friends and family are warmly invited to join in remembering a life well lived and a Savior well served.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Johnson Ferry Baptist Church Global Missions, a cause dear to Diane’s heart.

We grieve her absence but rejoice in her salvation. Sharon Diane Byerly lives on in every life she touched and in the enduring faith she instilled in those around her—until we meet again.