Diane Benton

Diane Blackerby Benton, age 88, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, just days before her 89th birthday. She was born on February 13, 1937, in Brunswick, Georgia, to John and May Blackerby, and remained deeply rooted in the community she loved throughout her life.

Diane was a woman of quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to her family. She attended Glynn Academy, where she was a Student Council Representative, Vice President of her Junior Class, Vice President of her Senior Class, a member of the Annual Staff, Junior Classical League, Math Club, and was voted a Superlative by her peers — early signs of the leadership, intelligence, and grace that would define her life. After the passing of her father, who owned Driftwood Trailer Park, Diane stepped in and faithfully carried on the family business with wisdom and determination. She was very smart, thoughtful in her decisions, and steady in her leadership.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Diane loved God fiercely. She attended Taylor’s United Methodist Church, where she served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher for children and led the youth department for many years. She completed daily devotions and read her Bible every single day. Her walk with the Lord was not just something she professed, it was something she lived. She was slow to anger, quick to forgive, and never had a bad word to say about anyone.

Family meant everything to Diane. She cooked Sunday dinner each week, gathering her loved ones around the table with warmth and intention. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and poured her love into them at every opportunity. Her presence in their lives was a constant source of comfort and encouragement.

Diane also found joy in simple pleasures. She loved to travel, play solitaire, paint, and admire her favorite flowers, pansies. She cherished time with her dear friends, often meeting them for lunch and sharing laughter. At home, her beloved dogs, Jack and Abe, were constant companions.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney Donald Benton; her parents, John and May Blackerby; her twin sons, David Scott Benton and Donald Wayne Benton; and her sister, Jane Blackerby Waters.

Diane is survived by her daughters, Tracy Benton Taylor and Janie (Lee) Roddenberry; her son, John Blackerby Benton; her grandchildren, Ryan and Hunter Roddenberry, Carlye (Chris) Madigan, and Mallory (Eli) O’Cain; and her great-grandchildren, Jackson and Jordan Madigan. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who were blessed to know her.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Edo Miller & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Edo Miller & Sons Funeral Home, with a reception immediately following. Interment will take place at Palmetto Cemetery.

Diane leaves behind a legacy of faith, gentleness, and steadfast love. Her life was a testimony to quiet grace, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.