Diane (Nonnie/Deeda), Fondren, age 64, passed into heaven peacefully at 1:50 pm on Thursday,
December 19 th at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN.
She was born on November 30, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois to John and Nancy (Hisaw) Staszefski.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, David Staszefski. She is survived by
her loving husband of 45 years, Ricky Fondren of Starkville, MS; her children, Stephanie Harley
of Madison, MS and Carol (James) Reeve of Harvest, AL; her grandchildren, Hayden Rae
Bracey, Austin Reeve, and Chloe Harley: her sister, Joann (John) Hurt of Hartselle, AL and her
brother, John (Brenda) Staszefski of Weir, MS. Diane is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles,
nieces, nephews, and friends, as well as her “honorary daughters”, Bridgette Burns and Sarah
Carter and her “honorary granddaughters”, Katie Reeve, Faith Carter, Aubrie Carter, and Allie
Kate Lewter.
Diane poured her heart and soul into her family and friends and everyone who knew her loved
and admired her strength and courage. She faced cancer four times, with her first diagnosis at the
age of 31. She beat breast cancer twice, ovarian cancer once, and finally, she beat leukemia;
however, the side effects from chemotherapy ultimately worked against her and her tired body
gave out. Through it all, she never let her faith waver. She would always say, “God has a plan
and I’m at peace with whatever He chooses to do. He will heal me one way or another.” Every
person that knew her would attest to the power of Christ in her life. Her smile and determination
to see any obstacle through will be greatly missed.
Having given her life to Jesus Christ at a young age, Diane was a bright light in a dark world,
and she touched the lives of so many people across multiple generations. Anyone who knew her
would say that their lives were made richer because of their relationship with Diane. Her love of
life and her love for others was evident in the way she lived. Diane never met a stranger. Her
infectious laugh, beautiful smile and wonderful sense of humor always made others feel
welcome and at ease. She would lend a helping hand to anyone in need and was there for others
as a confidant and a friend.
More than anything, Diane loved her family. Being known as a wife, a mother and a Nonnie
meant everything to her. She loved them deeply and there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for
them. Diane also touched the lives of so many people through her home day care. For over 40
years, she loved her babies like they were her very own. She was their “Deeda” and they were
her precious babies.
Diane had a deep love for the Lord and for the souls of people. She portrayed a life full of faith.
She took pleasure in helping others. She loved on people with hugs, smiles, and laughter. She
was a faithful member of Meadowview Baptist Church for 36 years, where she taught Sunday
School for both the children and youth departments, worked VBS, chaperoned youth trips and
participated in mission trips. She also loved having fun with all her Bunko groups.
Diane lived her life with passion, and she finished well. She laughed and cried and supported and
encouraged and prayed for so many. She truly loved the way Christ loves and, for some, she was
the closest example of Christ’s unconditional love that they would ever see. Only God knows the
ripple effects of Diane’s life, but it is evident that her life was used as a testimony of God’s love
and faithfulness for all to see. Diane ran the race set out before her and she is now resting in the
arms of our loving Father…Diane made a profound impact on others, and she did, indeed, finish
well.
A Celebration of Diane’s life will be held at Meadowview Baptist Church, 300 Linden Circle, on
Monday, December 23, 2024, beginning with visitation at 10:00 am, services at 11:00 am and a
graveside service to follow at Oddfellows Cemetery, 153 Fellowship Street, Starkville, MS.
Please join us in remembering and celebrating Diane’s life.
