Diane Koonce Winders was born on May 2, 1946 and went home to heaven (went to be with Jesus) on August 28, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. Diane is a native of Oklahoma City, OK, graduating from Northwest Classen High School in 1964. She then attended Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, OK, graduating with a B.A. degree in 1969. While at OBU, Diane was a featured soloist for the famed Bison Glee Club, under the direction of Dean Warren Angel, for four years.
While serving as crusade soloist for the Chaplain of Bourbon Street, Bob Harrington, in the summer of 1968, she met Tommy Winders in New Orleans, LA. Six months and one week after meeting, Tommy and Diane married December 27, 1968, in Oklahoma City, OK. They have two children, 7 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.
Diane spent 14 ½ years in the ministry of full time evangelism, and served alongside her husband in three different churches in full-time ministry, and one part-time church in retirement.
She will be remembered for her sweet spirit, warm personality and always having a smile on her face. Even in difficult situations, she always shared a sweet smile with everyone with whom she came into contact.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at Holland Funeral Directors in Tupelo. Visitation will be from 12 PM to service time. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed at 2 PM at hollandfuneraldirectors.com. A reception will follow the service at Bissell Baptist Church. Holland Funeral Directors – Tupelo Chapel is honored to serve the family.
She is survived by her husband, Tommy Winders of Saltillo; daughter Kristi Winders Campbell of Prairieville, LA; and son Brian Winders (Tonya) of Hendersonville, TN. She also leaves behind her seven grandchildren: Lyndsey Campbell Leger (Nick) of Elizabethtown, KY; Mary Ashton Campbell Talley (Trey) of Prairieville, LA; Kaleb Winders (Jordan) of Cottontown, TN; Kaylee Winders Edwards (Hunter) of Hendersonville, TN; Karis Winders Graham (Hudson) of Whitestown, IN; Katelyn Winders Barton (Connor) of Florence, AL; and Karson Winders Link (Shawn) of Auburn Hills, MI. Also leaves 9+ great grandchildren: Rylan, Cam, Navy and Lettie Leger; Teagen Winders; Brentlee, Blakelynn and Breckon Edwards; and Lily Joy Barton. Chapel Graham is due in November.
She is predeceased by her parents, Bill and Betty Koonce of Oklahoma City, OK; her in-laws, Jolly and Eunice Winders of Tupelo; and son-in-law Jeff Campbell of Prairieville, LA.
Special thanks to NMMC Home Hospice; Sanctuary Hospice House; and special caregiver Mary Alice Pritchard.
