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Dianne Ashley Hendrix
Dianne Ashley Hendrix, affectionately known as Nana, passed away peacefully at home on August 11, 2025, at the age of 77. Born on November 29, 1947, in Augusta, Georgia, Dianne was known for her loving personality and radiant smile that could light up any room.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University and later received her master’s degree from Gardner-Webb University. Dianne dedicated over 30 years to teaching elementary school in Rocky Mount, Winston-Salem, and Asheville, North Carolina. Her gentle spirit and unwavering commitment to education left a lasting impression on countless students and colleagues.
Dianne found joy in caring for her husband, children, and granddaughter. She was the absolute rock and heart of our family and lovingly considered everybody’s other mother and Nana. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love, not just for her own family, but for anyone lucky enough to know her. Dianne loved cooking, hosting game nights, and entertaining family and close friends. A regular at the Baum Center, she looked forward to playing Rummikub several times a week and formed many cherished friendships there. Her passion for gardening and flowers was matched only by her love of travel. She was always ready for an adventure with loved ones.
Animals held a special place in her heart, from dogs and cats to squirrels, raccoons, and turtles. She especially adored her feral cat, Midnight, whom she lovingly named and cared for daily.
Dianne was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mildred Ashley; her stepfather, Cecil Griffin; and her sister, Gail Macaulay. She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, W.E. “Gilley” Hendrix; her loving children, Andy Hendrix and Angela Grooms; and her beloved granddaughter, Kaylie Grooms.
A celebration of life will be held on August 22 at 2:00 PM at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church. All who knew and loved Dianne are warmly invited to attend and honor her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the OBX SPCA at www.obxspca.org. The address is 378 Airport Rd, Manteo, NC 27954. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Please leave a message of comfort for the family at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences
Dianne was the sweetest kindest women . To know her was to love her. She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. Dianne loved her family and friends and showed them in her actions . She will be missed by many.
I am so saddened of Ms Dianne’s passing - I just saw her on Sunday- the sweetest and kindest person I’ve ever known. She loved her family and she brightened the day of anyone that knew her. Deep heartfelt condolences to her family.
Dianne will be missed not only by her family but by so many of us here on the Outer Banks!! I will miss that beautiful smile and the hug I received every time I would see her at the Baum Center!! Rest easy sweet lady!! 🌹💔😔
We have such fond memories of Dianne from her being “Room Nana” to cheering at soccer. She was always so kind to Bella. We are so sorry for your loss.
We have such fond memories of Dianne from her being “Room Nana” to cheering at soccer. She was always so kind to Bella. We are so sorry for your loss.
The world was a better place because of Dianne! May she live in our hearts forever.
I have lost my best friend. It was so special to get to know her through the years. Her love and kindness will be missed by all of us who knew her.
Gilley, Andy and Angela, I am sorry for your loss. Your mother’s smile and great sense of humor will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Sincerely, Charles Rocknak
I was fortunate enough to teach Kaylie in the fifth grade and witnessed multiple times how devoted Dianne was to her. They had a beautiful, loving relationship that I still enjoy remembering. My sympathy to the family, especially to sweet Kaylie.
I was heartbroken to hear of Diane's passing. I work at the Baum Center and she made me smile every time I saw her. She had a wonderful personality and always was in great spirits on every visit. She will be sorely missed! God Bless you all and though the sadness is deep let the wonderful memories sustain you.
She was a wonderful lady. I was fortunate enough to know her while we were teachers at Fairview Elementary in Asheville. Gone too soon.
Such a lovely lady. She will be truly missed. She always made me smile.
Your mother/ wife held a special place in my heart. I first met her at the Baum Center 4 years ago. She welcomed me with her beautiful smiling face and open arms. When I had surgery she brought me dinner and when my husband was hospitalized for 6 weeks she brought me a care basket. She would always a helping hand to anyone who knew her. I looked forward to seeing her and playing Rummikup with her every week. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
I am so saddened to have lost Diane as a great Baum Center game days friend. When I was new to game days she welcomed me right in and I always looked forward to seeing her. I will miss her so much. We had many views in common and she was still a great teacher, explaining all the ins and outs of Rummikub. Your loss is so great but know there were others who thought the world of her. My deepest sympathy.
Edward, We were so sorry to hear about Dianne. Debbie and I will not be able to attend the service. We will be remembering you all in our prayers. Love, Mike and Debbie
We are so sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do please let us know.
Gilley, I was saddened to read in The Coast land Times of your wife's passing. My thoughts and prayers are sent to you during this trying time. (BenChown67@aol.com)
Dianne was the sweetest kindest women . To know her was to love her. She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. Dianne loved her family and friends and showed them in her actions . She will be missed by many.
I am so saddened of Ms Dianne’s passing – I just saw her on Sunday- the sweetest and kindest person I’ve ever known. She loved her family and she brightened the day of anyone that knew her. Deep heartfelt condolences to her family.
Dianne will be missed not only by her family but by so many of us here on the Outer Banks!! I will miss that beautiful smile and the hug I received every time I would see her at the Baum Center!! Rest easy sweet lady!! 🌹💔😔
We have such fond memories of Dianne from her being “Room Nana” to cheering at soccer. She was always so kind to Bella. We are so sorry for your loss.
We have such fond memories of Dianne from her being “Room Nana” to cheering at soccer. She was always so kind to Bella. We are so sorry for your loss.
The world was a better place because of Dianne!
May she live in our hearts forever.
I have lost my best friend. It was so special to get to know her through the years. Her love and kindness will be missed by all of us who knew her.
Gilley, Andy and Angela,
I am sorry for your loss. Your mother’s smile and great sense of humor will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Charles Rocknak
I was fortunate enough to teach Kaylie in the fifth grade and witnessed multiple times how devoted Dianne was to her. They had a beautiful, loving relationship that I still enjoy remembering. My sympathy to the family, especially to sweet Kaylie.
I was heartbroken to hear of Diane’s passing. I work at the Baum Center and she made me smile every time I saw her. She had a wonderful personality and always was in great spirits on every visit. She will be sorely missed! God Bless you all and though the sadness is deep let the wonderful memories sustain you.
She was a wonderful lady. I was fortunate enough to know her while we were teachers at Fairview Elementary in Asheville.
Gone too soon.
Such a lovely lady. She will be truly missed. She always made me smile.
Your mother/ wife held a special place in my heart. I first met her at the Baum Center 4 years ago. She welcomed me with her beautiful smiling face and open arms. When I had surgery she brought me dinner and when my husband was hospitalized for 6 weeks she brought me a care basket. She would always a helping hand to anyone who knew her. I looked forward to seeing her and playing Rummikup with her every week.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
I am so saddened to have lost Diane as a great Baum Center game days friend. When I was new to game days she welcomed me right in and I always looked forward to seeing her. I will miss her so much. We had many views in common and she was still a great teacher, explaining all the ins and outs of Rummikub. Your loss is so great but know there were others who thought the world of her. My deepest sympathy.
Edward,
We were so sorry to hear about Dianne.
Debbie and I will not be able to attend the service. We will be remembering you all in our prayers.
Love,
Mike and Debbie
We are so sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do please let us know.
Gilley, I was saddened to read in The Coast land Times of your wife’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are sent to you during this trying time. (BenChown67@aol.com)