Carlin Vineyard Diffee

Born May 8, 1931, in Selma, Alabama, Carlin was raised in Jackson, Tennessee, where she graduated from Jackson High School. She was the daughter of Archie Newman Vineyard and Carl DeBanque Vineyard, Jr. She attended Auburn University, where she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority.

On September 11, 1951, Carlin married James Jones Diffee, Jr. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, service, and love for others.

In 1984, Carlin and her daughter, Sally Slack, purchased Vineyards Floral and Gift Co. from her father. They owned and operated the business for ten years before selling it to the Kisber family.

Carlin’s faith was an important part of her life and her family’s story. A devoted member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, she was involved in several ministry groups and encouraged her husband, Jim, to seek the priesthood, supporting him throughout his ministry. In 2004, Carlin joined All Saints Anglican Church, where she continued her devotion to ministry through the Critical Prayer Chain Ministry and the Sermon Tape Ministry for shut-ins. She was also a member of the Laurel Garden Club.

Carlin was preceded in death by her parents; her infant brother, Carl D. Vineyard; her husband, The Rev. James Diffee, Jr.; her sisters and their husbands, Molly Vineyard Duncan (Billy) and Archie Vineyard Osborn (Bob); and a nephew, Jody Duncan of Auburn, Alabama.

She is survived by her children, Jim Diffee (Ellen) of Jackson; Carl Diffee (Jean) of Jackson; Sally Slack (Billy) of Jackson; and Libba Hughey (John) of Birmingham, Alabama, as well as a host of nieces and nephews, and their families.

She leaves behind a treasured group of grandchildren: Jarrett Diffee of Boulder, Colorado; Elizabeth Diffee of Mercy Ships Ghana; Molly Payne (John) of Jackson; Maggie Herndon (Chase) of Nashville; Miles Hartline (Wes) of Nashville; Carl Diffee (Ann Kate) of Oxford, Mississippi; Will Slack (Maddie) of Jackson; Sara Carlin Ross (Cody) of Jackson; Nolan Hughey (Ashley) of Auburn, Alabama; Ben Hughey (Carissa) of Birmingham, Alabama; and Sally Ager (Shepard) of Birmingham, Alabama.

Her great-grandchildren include Rhett, Ashton, and Emmy Diffee; John and Libby Payne; Chase and Miles Herndon; Annie and Carlin Hartline; Charlotte, Grayson, and Stella Slack; Sophie Ross; Jennings and Jones Hughey; Benny, Duncan, and Carter Hughey; and Virginia, John, Price, and Whit Ager.

Carlin’s greatest joy was her family, and her legacy will live on through the many generations she loved so dearly. Her life was marked by devotion to God, love for her family, service to others, and a generous spirit that touched countless lives.

The family extends special thanks to Carlin’s long-time caregiver, Tara Love, and to all those who cared for her, including Tennessee Quality Care Hospice, especially Melissa and Colin, for their compassionate care.

There will be a private family graveside service at Ridgecrest Cemetery at 11:00 on Sept. 12. A service celebrating Carlin’s life and faith will follow at All Saints Anglican Church, 212 McClellan Rd, Jackson, TN. 38305. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to Mission Abbey Gardens at All Saints Anglican Church or to the charity of your choice.