Diane Marie Gladwell

Diane Marie Gladwell, 69, of St Albans, WV passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully in the comfort of her own home, Monday, June 3, 2024. She was born on march 13, 1955, in Montgomery, WV. She was the first of three children to the proud parents, James Scott and Phyllis Jean Gladwell, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her beloved sister, Janean Elissa Hayes; grandparents: Cecil and Marie Gladwell, Lawrence and Edna Campbell; aunts, Margaret Moss and Anne Jones.

Diane was a graduate of George Washington High School, but spent the greatest years of her young life in Bridgeport, WV attending Bridgeport Junior High and High School. There she participated in dance and cheerleading, until moving to Charleston, WV just before her senior year. She became employed at Embees after high school, and enjoyed working retail later at Kmart in St Albans, and White House Black Market in the Charleston Town Center Mall. Her sense of style and eye for how to make others dress to impress was second to none. Diane knew how to accessorize herself and others to be sure you shine as you walked into any room. Outside of her fierce love for her family and friends, Diane had a talent and passion for dance. She studied formal ballet, tap, jazz, and all aspects of dance from her young childhood into young adulthood. She performed into many shows in GWHS and The Charleston Light Opera Guild under the direction of her favorite dance instructor, Nina Lou Denton Passenetti. There was never a time in her life when she heard music that she did not begin to dance. Her faith in God assures us she is now dancing in heaven among the angels, and with all her loved ones who welcomed her there.

Diane was most proud of God blessing her to be a mother of twins. She was an active member of the "Mother of Twins" club for many years. She always introduced herself as the mother of Jaclyn and Natalie. She was their biggest cheerleader, and loved anyone who loved them. Diane volunteered many hours at their elementary school, Fairview, helped to lead Girl Scout Troop 2216, and also enjoyed volunteering with the youth group of Riverlawn Presbyterian Church in St Albans. During her time as an active member there, she was a greeter, hosted women's circle, volunteered time at vacation bible school, and enjoyed fellowship activities. Diane's personality was larger than life, she loved to be around people and in social settings, often interacting with perfect strangers. For any occasion, she was the consummate party host. Whether it be a formal gathering, simply talking over coffee on her front porch, or at her kitchen table with a small circle of friends. Diane loved to have good company. Once God blessed her with grandbabies, everything else came second. Her love for them and hearing anything and everything about them was what added the greatest joy to her life. Her beautiful smile, big laugh, amazing sense of humor, and love for us all will truly be missed.

Left to cherish her memory are: her two daughters she loved with all of her being, Jaclyn Marie Swayne (Scott) and Natalie Christine Dollison; her brother, Scott Gladwell (Teresa); the light of her life, her grandchildren: Isabella, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zoey; beloved nephews that she loved as the sons she never had, Ross and Cody Hayes; former spouse, Paul Dollison; Cousins; David and Andy Moss; Grady and Chris Jones, and Marria Jones-Goff, and countless neighbors and friends across her lifetime spent in West Virginia; especially, from her longtime residency of over 40 years, Indian Head.

Celebration to honor the life of Diane Marie Gladwell will be held 7:00 pm, Monday June 10, 2024 at Tyler Mountain Funeral Home in Cross Lanes, WV. Pastor Marlon C. Collins, of Shiloh Baptist Church, will serve in support of the family, and eulogy will be delivered by Jaclyn Swayne. Gathering of family and friends will be from 5:00 pm until time of service. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.tylermountainfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any organization in support of mental health and well being.