Martha Dianne Hurley

Mrs. Martha Dianne Ellington Hurley, beloved wife, daughter, mother, sister and friend, passed away on May 23, 2013. Her passing came much too soon, but in her final moments Dianne was surrounded by her devoted family. Family was a constant theme in Dianne’s life. Whether it was driving to far away locations to watch her children’s baseball and soccer games, cooking Thanksgiving Dinner for the family she proudly hosted every year, or ensuring that when Christmas arrived she and her family were in North Carolina with the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins that she loved, Dianne dedicated herself to placing the happiness of those she loved above all else.

Dianne was born in West Palm Beach, Florida and grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina. Upon graduation from Southeast Guildford High School, she attended East Carolina University. Dianne pursued a career in business, and was hired by IBM in 1977. She spent over 30 years working with IBM in positions of increasing importance and responsibility before retiring in 2010. Her devotion to her job, attention to detail and strong work ethic made her a valuable member of the IBM team. Through various jobs in Virginia, Maryland, New York and Atlanta, Dianne not only made many contributions to IBM but also made many new friends. Those that knew her will recall an uncommon devotion, not just to the job, but to the people who populated her world.

A lifelong fan of music, Dianne was an enthusiastic member of a Christian musical group while in high school, and continued to sing along with Stevie Nicks and Linda Ronstadt for the rest of her life. Dianne was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed attending Braves games with her family and friends. When not at the ballpark, Dianne was often heard cheering on the Braves in front of the television, particularly her favorite player, Tom Glavine. Any remembrance of her life would be incomplete without mentioning her love of dogs. For no heart melted faster, or beat with more excitement, at the sight of a dog than Dianne’s. In Dianne, dogs quickly recognized they had found a true friend and a gentle spirit.

Those who knew Dianne understand that she lived a life of love, enthusiasm, and strength. While all are deeply saddened by her passing, what we will come to understand in the coming months and years is that the memories created with such a special person do not easily fade. What fortifies us is the knowledge that years from now we will recall the Thanksgiving Dinners, the long car rides, and honest conversations with our genuinely dedicated wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. To lose Dianne so early in her life is not easy, but the impact that Dianne had on those around her will echo for generations to come as her loved ones remember her impact on their lives.

Dianne is survived by her husband of 28 years, Dennis; her children Brian and Lindsay; her father Thomas Ellington and his wife Brenda; her mother Annie Haskins and her husband Earl; and her brother Mark Ellington and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and friends.

Dianne and her family are members of Mt Pisgah UMC in Johns Creek, GA. The family has requested donations be made to the Summit Counseling Center at Mt. Pisgah UMC or a charity of your choice

Visitation will be from 3-4 pm and the Life Celebration Service will be held at 4 pm, Sat., June 22nd, both at Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Rd., Roswell, GA 30076.