Dianne Downing peacefully met her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 20, 2023.

Daughter to the late Virginia Ellen and Bliss Marion Branson, Dianne was born on November 26, 1946 in Pike County, Illinois. She grew up in Quincy, Illinois and graduated from Culver-Stockton College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1968. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Dianne became an elementary school teacher and taught remedial reading at Payson Elementary School in Quincy, Illinois. She soon met Joseph Downing, and they married on June 16, 1973. Before moving to Raleigh in 1979, Dianne and Joe resided in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Dianne focused on her family and stayed at home to raise her children and stepsons before opening Dianne’s Wallcoverings in North Raleigh in 1986. She successfully expanded her namesake store, moving it from Falls Village Shopping Center to Quail Corners, eventually selling the store in 1997.

Dianne’s greatest joy in life was her family. Her favorite thing was having everyone together in one place. If anyone met Dianne, she was always happy to share stories about her loving husband and beloved children and grandchildren. After Joe’s passing in 2011, Dianne more deeply treasured the time she had with her grandchildren, and she never missed an opportunity to enthusiastically cheer them on at many sporting events, graduations, and performances. This past summer, she traveled to five different states to attend all of her grandson Jack’s travel baseball tournaments. Everyone affectionately knew and loved “Grammy” at all these events.

Dianne had an infectious smile, a terrific sense of humor, a warm heart, and the best laugh. She loved finding, reconnecting with, and visiting friends and family from all stages of her life. Dianne loved traveling to and exploring new states, as well as countries, to take on new adventures. She enjoyed road trips and cruises, especially the Flower Power cruise, and making lifelong friends along the way. In her last few years, Dianne was always looking forward to and planning her next trip with her dear friend, Janet Kane. She cherished any opportunity to play games and cards, especially Hand and Foot, with her family, friends, and the “Bedford Babes”. Dianne was a wonderful cook and loved nothing more than entertaining and feeding a house full of family and friends. She was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Dianne was fully devoted to sharing the Gospel and leading others to Christ, hosting weekly women’s Bible studies for many years. She attended Trinity Baptist Church, Crossroads Fellowship, and Journey Church.

Dianne is survived by her sister, Barbara Miedema of Indianapolis, IN; daughter Angela Austin and husband Dr. Adam Austin and grandsons Jack Thomas and Reese Joseph of Raleigh, NC; daughter Amy Jo Pitts and husband Michael Pitts and grandson Charles Joseph and granddaughter Crosby Helen of New York, NY; son Matthew Downing and wife Sierra Downing and granddaughter Madeline Mae, grandson Joseph Eli, and step-grandchildren Eric Robison and Nataleigh Robison of Morristown, TN; stepson, Mark Downing and wife Kathy Downing of Grove City, OH; and stepson, John Downing and daughter Kailani Marie of Flagler Beach, FL.

Dianne will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. Her faith was paramount in her life up until her last day. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the family's GoFundMe.