Diane Nail Thomas

Diane was born on June 30, 1947, in Birmingham, Alabama, where she lived for most of her life. She is preceded in death by her mother, Sara Moseley Botters, her stepfather, William Clayton Botters, and her son, Christopher. She is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, John Thomas, her sons Steven and Michael (Sarah), and her four granddaughters, Phoebe, Nora, Ruthie, and Elle Thomas, who brought her great delight. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends whom she loved dearly.

After graduating from Woodlawn High School in 1965, she briefly enrolled at the University of Alabama before marrying the love of her life, John Wayne Thomas, in 1966. After returning to Birmingham, Diane held many roles. She was a devoted mother to her three sons, a successful entrepreneur who ran a daycare center in Trussville, and an accomplished artist whose hand-painted Christmas ornaments and crafts became so sought-after that she built a thriving business employing local women, with many of her designs featured in Cracker Barrel restaurants across the region.

Diane’s faith was central to her life, and she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to serving her church community with her gifts. A devoted member of Woodlawn Baptist Church and later, The Church at Liberty Park, she generously shared her time, finances, and talents. She sang in the choir, served as the Director of Preschool, where she welcomed every child and parent with her warm smile, and helped prepare Wednesday night suppers for the congregation. She also loved planning and decorating for church events, from fall festivals and Christmas dinners to her beloved annual Vacation Bible School preparations. Whether serving on committees, providing financial support, or simply being the person others could count on to help with any need, Diane exemplified faithful service to the Body of Christ.

Diane’s generous heart extended far beyond her immediate circle. She regularly supported over a dozen charities and sponsored children through Compassion International, always giving quietly and without fanfare. She had an exceptional gift for making things beautiful, whether arranging flowers or crafting the perfect setting for family gatherings, delighting in her role as a gracious hostess but never seeking to be the center of attention. In quieter moments, she also loved cheering on the Atlanta Braves or enjoying a good period drama.

Above all, Diane was sustained by her faith and relied on the Lord to be her strength as her earthly body began to weaken. She found great joy in studying the Bible and continued to faithfully watch church services from home when she could no longer be there in person. In her well-worn Bible, she inscribed, “I am made righteous unto God by faith, and it is my faith not my works, that touches God.” She walked closely with the Lord, and her family rejoices to know that her faith has now become sight.

A service celebrating Diane’s life will be held on Thursday, July 10th at 11:00 am at The Church at Liberty Park in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Church at Liberty Park, 12001 Liberty Parkway, Vestavia Hills, Alabama, 35242.