Sandra Dianne Thorn Lanier, age 77 of Owens Cross Roads, passed away on February 12, 2025 at her home. She was born on August 1, 1947 to John Perry Thorn and Hazel Bernice Welch Thorn in Clanton, Alabama.
Dianne is survived by her husband of 53 years, Jim Lanier; daughters, Dawn (former spouse, Craig) Powell and Carrie (Christopher) Robinson; grandchildren, Alexa Robinson and Cole Robinson; brother, Wayne (Anita) Thorn; mother-in-law, Adel Lanier; and several nieces and nephews and in-laws. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Hazel Calvin; and infant son, Blake Lanier.
Persistent and hard-working, Dianne earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the age of 50. She retired from PPG Industries in Huntsville and subsequently moved to metro Washington DC when her husband, Jim’s, career led them there. They enjoyed over a decade as local tourists in the DC area, exploring historic sites, wineries, and the museums of the Smithsonian. They returned to Huntsville several years ago to be closer to family.
Dianne was a fighter who pushed herself to stay active for two decades living with Parkinson’s Disease. As recently as five years ago, she built a firepit herself, lugging stones to the backyard even though she was unsteady on her feet. She prided herself (maybe a little too much!) on being able to work circles around most people.
She was a thoughtful person and a good friend who maintained many life-long friendships and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She was beautiful and charming with a lovely singing voice and was often asked to sing in church in earlier years. She was crowned Jr. Miss Limestone County when she was a teenager.
Visitation will be Sunday 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at New Hope Funeral Home. Services will follow at 2:00 pm.
Interment will be in Green Valley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or the Downtown Rescue Mission In Huntsville. The family is grateful for the professionalism and kindness of the staff at Aveanna Hospice and very special caregivers, Yolanda Johnson and Rhoda Coleman.
