Diane Carter Owen

Diane Carter Owen, age 83 of Gainesville, GA, joined her beloved husband, David, June 13, 2023 after 16 months of earthly separation. The family rejoices knowing they are together for eternity. 

The daughter of the late William Gus and Bessie Smith Carter, she was born in McAlester, Oklahoma November 4, 1939.  Her father moved the family to the island of Guam during Diane's Junior year of high school.  As much as Diane didn't want to leave Oklahoma and begged to stay behind with family, fate prevailed. In Guam, she met David Owen of Gainesville who was stationed there in the Navy.  David was transferred back to the states during their courtship and mailed an engagement ring to Diane. They were married July 4, 1957 after having not seen each other for 6 months until the day before their wedding in McAlester!  They were virtually inseparable for the next 65 years.  After David's Naval service, they moved to Gainesville in 1960. Having been a stay at home Mom (her favorite "job" ever!) for a few years, Diane entered the banking industry at First Federal Savings and Loan (later Great Southern Federal) where she worked for 25 years.  She then joined Regions Bank for 8 years and retired in 1996.

After retirement, Diane and David enjoyed spending time at home with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their door was always open and nothing brought Diane greater joy than to see family walk in! They also loved traveling as well as volunteering countless hours at First Baptist Church, which she joined in 1960 upon her move to Gainesville.  Between the Family Life Center, Promising Futures or the church office, Diane served her church faithfully for years.  She was also an avid reader, often reading 3 books at a time!

As well as her beloved husband, David, Diane was also preceded in death by her 2 younger brothers, Gary and Neal, along with her dearest friend Barbara Reed of Gadsden, AL.

Cherishing her love and memories are her son, Mark Owen and wife Michele of Gainesville; daughter Kathy Owen of Newnan; grandson Robert Norton, Jr. and wife Catherine of Denver, CO; granddaughter Kate Norton Wren and husband Bo of Newnan; granddaughter Maggie Norton Tomberlin and husband Shawn of Alpharetta; grandson David Owen and wife Brittany of Gainesville; granddaughter Jennifer Owen Fuller and husband Mark of Gainesville; 10 great-grandchildren who adore their "Nannie"; sister-in-law Sharon Carter of Kokomo, IN; brother-in-law Dr. R. Glen Owen and wife Christie of Augusta; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Wesley Woods of Newnan for their loving care of Diane over the last 12 months.     

A visitation will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Riverside Drive in Gainesville, Wednesday, June 21st from 11AM - 12PM.   A private family graveside service will follow at Alta Vista Cemetery in Gainesville.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to First Baptist Church, Ministry of Caring, 751 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501 or the charity of your choice.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com