Dianne Phillips Lenhart, age 68, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2026, at her daughter’s residence in Walnut, Mississippi.
A memorial service honoring Dianne’s life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Mount Moriah Church in Whiteville, Tennessee, with Troy and Gina Powers officiating.
Born on March 15, 1958, in Somerville, Tennessee, Dianne was the daughter of the late Herbert and Iona Hatch Phillips. She received her education in Whiteville and worked as a housekeeper for West Jackson Baptist Church for more than a decade. She was also a faithful and devoted member of Mount Moriah Church in Whiteville.
After retiring a year ago, Dianne enjoyed having more time to do the things she loved. She especially enjoyed camping at Bay Springs and taking trips to the beach. She loved cooking, arts and crafts, and listening to her favorite music, especially Bob Seger and Travis Tritt. But more than anything, Dianne loved being surrounded by her family.
Dianne was affectionately known by everyone as “Granny.” Her children’s friends called her Granny, her grandchildren’s friends called her Granny, and just about everyone who knew her seemed to have a special place in their heart for her. She had a way of making everyone feel loved and welcomed. Dianne never met a stranger and loved people wholeheartedly. Her family was her greatest joy, and the memories they made together will be treasured for generations to come.
Those left to cherish Dianne’s memory include her three beloved daughters, Amanda Patton (Jayme) of Medon, Tennessee, April Stewart of Walnut, Mississippi, and Gayla Dantes of Middleton, Tennessee; her sister, Virginia Hyslip of Bolivar, Tennessee; her grandchildren, Nicholas Lane, Bailey Stewart, Chloe Stewart, Christopher Patton, Emma Stewart, Dalton Wood, Addison Allen, Allissa Allen, and David Patton; her great-granddaughter, Danielle Wood, who is on the way; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Marylou Wilson; and her brother, Robert Earl Phillips.
Dianne’s greatest legacy will be the love she gave so freely to her family and everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be remembered for her loving heart, her generous spirit, her laughter, and the special way she made people feel like family. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on through the many lives she touched and the countless memories she leaves behind.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories and condolences with the Lenhart family.
