Dianne Raynor Morton

Dianne Raynor Morton, (79), died on January 3, 2022 following complications from cancer. A loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend, Dianne was a natural leader who exuded confidence and intellect. The oldest of three siblings, she was born in Fort Benning, Georgia to Kenneth and Jane Raynor on May 11, 1942. She graduated from Pittsford High School in Rochester NY and later attended Colby-Sawyer Junior College.

She married John Kent Morton in 1962 and later welcomed children, John Craig (J.C.) and Mary Jane into the world. They spent the most time in Huntington, NY. Her illustrious life was filled with entertaining, dining, travel, and celebrating holidays and family. She was an incredible hostess and conversationalist with a passion for problem solving.

In 1995 Dianne and Kent settled in Governor’s Land at Two Rivers in Williamsburg, Virginia, building their dream home on the golf course at Nathanial’s Green before Kent’s untimely passing in 1999. She had a lifelong passion for Bridge, attaining the level of Gold Life Master. Dianne’s leadership skills were put into play again years later when she became a Bridge Director with the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) and member of the Board of Director's of Unit 110. She led weekly duplicate bridge games at Two Rivers Country Club, The Landing and Queens Lake. Dianne learned how to facilitate online bridge games during COVID-19 and the games popularity grew. Dianne also taught Bridge and brought many newcomers to the game. She was known for her fair and firm approach, expert knowledge of the game and was respected and loved by her bridge players. Dianne was also a long-time member of PEO with her final chapter being chapter AP in Williamsburg. She enjoyed her final summer at her favorite camp in Belgrade Lakes Maine with long term partner, John MacDonald, and her beloved cocker spaniel, Dinah, by her side.

Dianne leaves behind a beautiful legacy and countless memories that will be cherished by family and friends for years to come. She is survived by son, J.C. Morton (Kim); daughter, Mary Jane Dempsey; sister, Sandra Eastman (Allen); and brother, Craig Raynor (Barbie); grandchildren, Sabrina (Rick), John Collin, Mary Dianne, and Evelyn; and great-grandson, Owen Kent.

Family and friends are invited to join in a gathering to celebrate her life which will be held April 29, 2022 at Nelsen’s Funeral Home at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Williamsburg Alzheimer’s Association, 358 McLaws Cir, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (www.alz.org) in Dianne’s memory.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Morton family.