Diana Skipwith Linthicum Coley

Diana was born on January 4, 1912 in Durham, the daughter of Henry Colvin Linthicum and Catherine Ottino Linthicum. Her father was a distinguished North Carolina architect. She had a brother, Edward, and sister, Patricia, who preceded her in death.

Diana moved to Raleigh as a young girl and enjoyed telling stories about her adventures growing up on Cowper Drive. As a teenager, she attracted the attention of a shy young boy named Harold D. Coley. He began courting her immediately, writing letters addressed to “Mrs. Harold Coley.” They were married in May 1932 and spent 46 years together until Harold, president and vice chairman of Durham Life Insurance Company, died in 1978.

Diana was a creative, artistic soul with a passion for painting, gardening, ceramics and sewing. She was never without a project.

She attended Peace College and studied art under Mabel Pugh. After moving to Coley Forest in 1948, Diana was instrumental in establishing the Coley Forest Garden Club so neighbors could share gardening tips and form lasting friendships. She took great pride in the beautiful gardens surrounding her home.

Diana’s family – two children, five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren – were her proudest accomplishment. Her son, Harold D. “Chris” Coley Jr., preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter, Susanna Coley Dalton and husband Charlie of Charlotte; grandchildren Christopher Darr Coley and wife Tammy of Elkin; Harold Downey Coley III and wife Ashlee of Burlington; Cicely Coley McCulloch and husband Joe of Elkin; William Porter O’Herron and wife Liz of Beaufort, SC; Katherine Coley Brown and husband Robert of Raleigh; and 11 great-grandchildren, Diana, Harris, Coley, Tate, Carlyle, Austin, Silas, Billy, Coley, Sarah Skip and Molly. Her family will forever carry on the memory of Nannie and the strong values she instilled in them.

She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Raleigh Woman’s Club and the Carolina Country Club.

Diana is a third-generation Christian Scientist who loved God and believed strongly in the healing power of His love. Her beliefs are exemplified in the well-known quote of Mary Baker Eddy: “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need.”

A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 9 at 3:00 pm. Following the service, the family will receive friends at Diana’s home at 3136 Sussex Road from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

The family would like to express their special thanks to Roxie Daughty and Cynthia Garner, who provided loving care to Diana in her final years.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Diana’s longtime church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist at 1400 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27605 or the N.C. Museum of Art Foundation, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607.