Diane Stapler Warren's life was a quiet, steady testament to love rooted first in her faith, then in her family, and carried into the community she cherished. On April 23, 2026, at the age of 78, she was welcomed into the presence of her Lord and Savior, leaving behind a legacy that will be felt for generations.

Born on May 19, 1947, in Carrollton, Georgia, Diane was the daughter of the late Olin Fletcher Stapler and Effie Lee Chandler Helton. She spent her entire life in the place she loved, building a life defined not by grand gestures, but by consistent kindness, devotion, and care for others.

Her faith was the foundation of everything she did. A faithful member of Holy Ground Baptist Church, Diane lived with quiet strength and grace, striving each day to reflect the love she found in her relationship with the Lord. She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Henry Warren, and together they built a life centered on faith, love, and family. Even after his passing, that foundation never wavered.

At home, Diane's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to her sons, David Warren and his wife Joy, and Dan Warren and his wife Cindy. Her love only grew deeper in her role as Granny, a title she carried with pride and tenderness. She treasured her grandchildren, Aerial Walker and her husband Aaron, Jacob Warren and his wife Ke-Airra, and Joshua Warren, and she delighted in the lives of her great grandchildren, Hezekiah, Harmony, Emily, and Orrin. To each of them, she was a steady presence, offering encouragement, wisdom, and a kind of love that never wavered.

That same love carried into her work. For over 30 years, Diane served as a school bus driver for Carroll County Schools. To many, she may have simply been the bus driver, but to the children she greeted each morning and afternoon, she was so much more. She knew their names, their stories, their struggles, and their victories, and she celebrated each one. Diane had a way of making every child feel seen, safe, and valued, and over the years, those children became an extension of her own family.

She especially loved Friday nights in the fall, when she had the honor of driving the Central High School football team to their games. Those trips were something she looked forward to, being part of the excitement, cheering them on, and sharing in the pride of her community. It was just one more way Diane poured herself into the lives of others, finding joy in the moments that brought people together.

Diane also leaves behind her brothers, Keith Stapler and Lee Helton. She carried the memory of those who went before her, including her parents, her beloved husband Henry, and her brothers Johnny Stapler and Tony Stapler, close to her heart throughout her life.

She found joy in life's simple pleasures, especially time spent with those she loved. Family trips, particularly cruises, were among her favorite memories, where being together mattered more than the destination. Even in quiet moments, whether enjoying a manicure or a pedicure, her thoughts were never far from her family.

Those who knew Diane will remember her for her gentle spirit, her warm smile, and the way she made everyone feel like they belonged. She lived a life that was full not because of what she had, but because of how deeply she loved.

Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of Diane's life during visitation at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM. A second visitation will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Holy Ground Baptist Church at 1:00 PM, with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM, officiated by Bro. Kelly Runels and Bro. Keith Runels. Diane will be laid to rest in the church cemetery, alongside her husband, following the service, with Bro. Michael White officiating.

Serving as pallbearers are Jacob Warren, Joshua Warren, Aaron Walker, Brenden Bird, Greg Adams, and Tim Dingler. Diane's Sunday school class will be seated as honorary pallbearers.

Though she will be deeply missed, Diane's life reminds us that the simplest acts of love often leave the most lasting impact. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.

Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to serve the family.