Diane Ward Gatewood

Diane graduated from Murphy High School and then from Baylor University in 1963 with a degree in music education. She and her late husband, Dr. James Verner Gatewood, met in conjunction with their involvement in the Baylor University choral program. Diane and James moved to Columbus, Mississippi in 1968, following James’s graduation from the Baylor College of Dentistry. Diane was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church where she enjoyed singing, directing and teaching in numerous music ministry programs. In addition, Diane served in leadership of the annual First Christmas interactive Bethlehem village and with James, as the director of the initial capital funds campaign for the new First Baptist Church Columbus campus. Diane loved Columbus and Lowndes County, serving as a lifetime member in Junior Auxiliary, a devoted docent of the Lee Home Foundation and as a member and president of the Northwood Garden Club. Diane also taught 5th grade at Heritage Academy and most recently worked for Visit Columbus and the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation. She found great joy in telling guests from around the world about the unique history of the town she dearly loved.

Diane was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. She is predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Dr. James Verner Gatewood. She is survived by her son, David Ward Gatewood and his wife, Tina; daughter, Leigh Anne Gatewood Carmichael and her husband, Steve; brother, Alec Ward and his wife, Pattie; brother, Richard Ward and his wife, Daphene; and her treasured grandchildren, Harrison Carmichael, Hadley Carmichael, and Lucas Gatewood.

A private interment will be held at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Stockbridge, Georgia. There will be a celebration of Diane’s life in Columbus for all to attend as soon as it can be safely scheduled. Notification for this celebration will be by social media and newspaper.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the First Baptist Church “Because He Lives – Crossing Building Campaign”, PO Box 829, Columbus, MS 39703, online at https://www.columbusfbc.org/ or to the Stephen D. Lee Home & Museum, 316 7th Street North, Columbus, MS 39701.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 1:00PM at Fairview Memorial Gardens, 164 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281.

Due to the COVID-19 regulations, the graveside service will be streamed LIVE for family and friends at 1:00PM on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 via https://www.facebook.com/HAWFairview/.