Diane Williamson

It is with profound love and deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother Gwendolyn Diane Williamson, who went home to be with the Lord on August 23, 2025 at the age of 71. She passed peacefully, in Odenville, AL, surrounded by her family and friends.

Known by everyone as Diane or Nana, she was born on November 17, 1953 in Birmingham, Alabama to Charles and Betty Franklin. Raised in Rose Hill and Leeds, Alabama with her brother Charles Franklin and sister Pam Knight. She was a devoted wife of 54 years to Larry Williamson. From the start, she carried a heart big enough to hold everyone she met. She loved without judgment, welcomed all with open arms, and made every person feel seen, accepted, and at home.

Nana lived a life filled with love, generosity, and resilience. She was a nurturer not only as a Mother, but also as a nurse, host and caretaker for all she came in contact with. She was known for her terrific cakes, good meals, and generosity. She loved to paint with her friends and spend time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Even in the days she felt the worst she would be up for time with her family and friends.

She gave the kind of advice that stayed with you—gentle, wise, and rooted in her steadfast faith in God. Her faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her through both joys and challenges with grace.

Family was always at the center of everything she did. She poured her love into every meal she cooked, every hug she gave, every moment she shared. Her home was filled with comfort, laughter, and the kind of warmth that can never be replaced. She was the best comfort any of us could have asked for and her love will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Williamson, her children Stephanie Mathous (Richard), and Stephen Williamson (Kelli), her grandchildren, Ashlie Stegemann (John), Griffin Williamson, and Grayson Williamson, her great grandchildren, Sophie, Milo, and Emerson who will carry forward her legacy of love and faith. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Logan Williams, and her parents, Charles and Betty Franklin.

A memorial service will be held at Kilgroe Funeral Home on Wednesday August 27th at 2pm with visitation beginning at 12:30. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The American Cancer Society Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge (American Cancer Society, Inc) or the Washington Family (https://gofund.me/7d61ed09).

Though we grieve her loss deeply, we take comfort in knowing that her love, her lessons, and her spirit will remain with us always.