Miss Dianne Louise McLarty, age 78, of Villa Rica, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Dianne lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and quiet service to others. She possessed a gentle spirit and a caring heart that naturally made people feel welcome and loved. Whether through a thoughtful conversation, a helping hand, or a handmade gift, she had a remarkable way of making those around her feel special. Her legacy is one of compassion, creativity, and unwavering love for her family and friends.

A graduate with a bachelor's degree in business administration from West Georgia College, Dianne enjoyed a successful career of more than thirty years as a Relocation Manager with Merrill Lynch, where she was respected for her professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail.

Outside of her career, Dianne found her greatest joy behind a sewing machine. An exceptionally talented seamstress, she had an incredible gift for transforming fabric into treasured works of art. Quilting was far more than a hobby; it was her passion. Every stitch reflected her patience, creativity, and love, and the quilts she created became lasting expressions of warmth and care that will be cherished by those fortunate enough to receive them. She also enjoyed genealogy, was an avid reader, and never turned down a game of Jeopardy!, delighting in learning something new every day.

Dianne was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she formed many meaningful friendships and exemplified the organization's values of charity, truth, and loving kindness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John McLarty Jr. and Doris C. Awtry McLarty; her sister, Lynda Carol Miller; and her great-nephew, Hayden Coulon.

She is survived by her loving sisters and brothers-in-law, Barbara Joan Alford and her husband, Danny, and Sandra Lea Howard and her husband, Greg, along with a devoted family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will forever treasure her memory: John A . Miller III (Gigi), Michele Aldredge (Darrell), Jennifer Love (Zack), Hunter Coulon, Jeremy Howard, and Danielle Nichols (Rebekah); Tyler Coulon, Nate Moore (Michaela), Chloe Henderson, Cooper Romano, Jaxon Coulon, Kyleigh Henderson, Hunter Coulon, Haylee Coulon, Hannah Arrington (Cody), Elizabeth Sprouse (Chad), and Kathryn Aldredge; and her great-great-nephew, Beckham Moore. Her family will remember her for the unconditional love she shared so freely, the wisdom she offered so gently, and the beautiful handmade treasures that will forever remind them of her loving hands and generous heart.

A Celebration of Dianne's life will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home with Greg Howard officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the service hour. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia, at 2:00 PM.

Although Dianne's chair may now sit empty and her sewing machine has grown quiet, the love she stitched into the lives of others will never fade. Her quilts will continue to provide warmth, her generosity will continue to inspire, and the memories she lovingly created with family and friends will remain woven into their hearts for generations to come.

Martin & Hightower Funeral Home is honored to serve the McLarty family during this difficult time. Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com.