“Interesting.” “Unique.” “One of a kind.”
When your beloved granddaughter uses those words as a description, you know you have lived your life just brilliantly.
Yes, Dianne Handley knew how to sparkle. And it wasn’t just her jewelry.
Gloria Dianne Handley, of Marietta, GA, passed away on March 26, 2026, at the age of 84.
Awaiting her in Heaven were her husband, Jesse Raymond Handley, her parents, Richard William and Helen Enlow Hall, her mother-in-law, Arrie Mae Handley, and her sisters-in-law, Martha Hall and Allene Myrick.
Surviving her are her daughter and son-in-law, Jessica Anne and Brian Nivens, and granddaughter, Sophia, of Kennesaw, GA; her brother, Billy Hall, of Tuscumbia, AL; her brother-in-law, A.J. Myrick, of Muscle Shoals, AL; her nephew, Richard (Vicki) Hall, of Tuscumbia, AL; her niece, Cheryl (Charles) Milligan, of Florence, AL; and extended family, Marion and Barbara Nivens, of LaGrange, GA. She also leaves behind her second family at East Cobb Center for Nursing and Healing (formerly Manor Care) which Dianne lovingly referred to as “The Ranch,” and a host of cherished friends that she made along the way.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 2, at 1 pm at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia, AL. The funeral will follow at 2 pm, officiated by Bro. Billy Myrick.
Born August 10, 1941, in Tuscumbia, AL, where she spent most of her life, Dianne became a devoted wife, a dear mother, and a doting grandmother. Those were the roles that filled her soul. She enjoyed the simple things in life, loved having fun, and, most of all, loved being around people. She also knew and loved the Lord, and that helped her through her final days.
In 1968, she married the love of her life, Jesse Handley. Theirs was a union of support, devotion, and permanence, and he still held her heart after he passed away. From the time they met, no one could ever compete with Jesse for Dianne’s affection. Well, except maybe for her granddaughter, Sophia. Dianne adored her and wanted to know about everything Sophia did. Even when she had trouble remembering other things, Dianne somehow remembered Sophia’s birthday, because it was a highlight in her own life.
Dianne also loved jewelry. Bracelets. Necklaces. Earrings. Rings. It didn’t need to be expensive. In fact, she preferred that it wasn’t because Dianne loved a deal. She was an expert thrift shopper and yard saler in her day, and she spent many Saturday mornings getting up early to get the best things.
But her life was not about “things.” That was just the outside. And, if that was the only part you saw, then you missed the best part of Dianne. She was about people. They stimulated her, touched her and kept her going. She never lost touch with friends in Alabama, and called them up until the end, because she was genuinely interested in the lives of those she knew.
No matter what circumstances she encountered, Dianne always persevered, and she did it with gusto. After Jesse suddenly passed, she found herself in a new city, not knowing a soul. She lived with Jessica Anne, Brian, and Sophia for about five years. But God knew Dianne needed more special people – more family – so He gave her a double blessing at “The Ranch.” There, Dianne completely embraced life. The bingo, the church, the socials, the fancy balls, Dianne looked forward to it all. Dianne loved – and was loved – there. It was a place where she could truly shine and be herself.
Dianne Handley was a diamond of a person, memorable, with so many facets and angles and such a glittering depth to her spirit. She liked jewelry that was big, bold, and beautiful. Statement pieces. Things that made an impact.
Just like her.
