Diane’s early years carried her from Duluth, Minnesota, to Samson, Alabama, after the sudden death of her father, John Tappan, when she was three. With her mother, Essie, she lived with grandparents, Oscar and Lennye Myers, for a time before the family’s next chapter began. After her mother married Dr. James Freeze, Diane moved with her family to Huntsville, Alabama—changes that asked much of a young girl and helped shape the steady resilience that would mark her life.
She built a long and dependable career as a Contract Administrator for GTE/GTEL, serving with diligence until her retirement.
Diane was first married to Morgan Owen Bennett, and they lived in Agoura Hills, California. In 2010, she married Bobby Wise, and together they settled in Prattville, Alabama, where she made her home in the years that followed.
A loving mother of two boys, Diane’s devotion was unmistakable—present in the everyday, and also in the extraordinary. Her love was powerfully exemplified when she donated a kidney to her son Grant when he was 16, a gift that spoke not only to a mother’s care, but to a deep strength of spirit. She was also a familiar, encouraging presence on the sidelines, cheering her boys on at soccer games with pride and constancy.
In quieter moments, Diane found joy and expression through painting, sewing, and knitting—hands-on pursuits that reflected patience, creativity, and the satisfaction of making something lasting.
Diane also gave her time and energy to the Lions Club and remained highly active with the National Kidney Foundation, supporting a cause that was deeply personal and approached with steadfast commitment.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Wise; her father, John Tappan; her stepfather, Dr. James Freeze; her mother, Essie Freeze; her son, Grant Bennett; her brother, William Freeze; and her sister, Judy Freeze.
She is survived by her son, Todd Bennett of Phoenix, Arizona; her stepdaughter, The Honorable Kelli Wise (Arthur Ray, Esq.) of Montgomery, AL; her sister, Susan Jennings of Smyrna, Tennessee; her brother, James Freeze (Susan) of Gallatin, Tennessee; her sister, Janet Freeze of Huntsville, Alabama; her brother, Robert Freeze of Huntsville, Alabama; and her grandchildren, Isabel Bennett and Wyatt Bennett.
A Memorial Service at a Later Date will be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.
