Diane Katharine (Hally) O’Kelley

Diane Katharine (Hally) O’Kelley passed away peacefully at her home on her 81st. birthday, January 25, 2025 in Gainesville, Georgia.

Diane was born January 25, 1944 in Framingham, Massachusetts. The daughter of the the late Roland “Buck” Hally of Nashua New Hampshire and Katharine (Kelley) Hally of Dorchester, Massachusetts. Diane spent her early years in Ashland, Massachusetts and enjoyed family vacations at Cape Cod. In 1954, her father was promoted to General Manager of Westclox and the family relocated to Athens, Georgia.

Diane met John, the love of her life, while attending Athens High School. She was voted to be on the homecoming court and graduated with honors from Athens High School in 1961. The two were married on December 29, 1965 and were blessed to spend 59 years by each other’s side.

Diane’s life was marked by a deep love for family and friends. She loved Athens and Gainesville and enjoyed gardening and family trips to Lake Burton. Growing up in Athens, she graduated from the University of Georgia and received her Masters in Education from Brenau University. She was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority at the University of Georgia and served as an advisor for the chapter at Brenau University in Gainesville. She taught elementary school for the Gainesville City Schools (30 years) and was loved by her students throughout her career. Diane was an active member of her community; she enjoyed membership in the Junior Service League, Chattahoochee Study Club and served on the Hall County Citizens Advisory Committee. Diane was selfless, kind, and endlessly patient. She always found the time to listen, support and lift up those around her even in her difficult moments.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband of many years, John Michael O’Kelley, Sr; her children, John Michael O’Kelley, Jr. (Angela King) and Hally O’Kelley Dement (Greg DeMent); and her grandchildren: William Callejas DeMent, James Stockton O’Kelley, Michael Bradley MeMent II, Anna Katharine O’Kelley, and Katharine Parker DeMent. Diane was predeceased by her grandson, John “Jack” Michael O’Kelley, III (2023) and first daughter-in-law, Wilma Diaz O’Kelley (2012).

Diane is also survived by her siblings; Linda Brooks (Jim) of Smyrna, Georgia; Richard Hally (Kim) of LaSalle, IL; Sharon Hall (Bob) of Winston-Salem, NC; and Elizabeth Milner (Gilbert) of Athens, GA and the many nieces and nephews who loved “Aunt Di”.

Diane loved everyone and everyone loved her and her warm smile. May her legacy and memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

Private family graveside services will be held at Oconee Hills Cemetery in Athens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a tax deductible donation to the Jack O’Kelley Foundation at www.jokfoundation.org .

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements

For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com .