Diane Marie Harper, 78, of Hixson, Tennessee, entered into rest just after midnight on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, after a long illness.

She was born on November 10, 1947, to the late Orvel and Bertha Gibson. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband Larry Harper and her siblings: Norvella Gibson, Jeannette Mulder, and Leon Gibson.

Diane will be remembered by all who knew her as a woman of remarkable kindness, warmth, and genuine spirit. She had a way of making others feel welcome and valued, and her sweet, caring nature left a lasting impression on friends, family, and everyone she encountered. She created a home filled with warmth, adventure, and simple joys. Friends and family cherish memories of time spent in her home, whether visiting, sharing laughter, or enjoying special traditions like baking cookies and decorating gingerbread houses. Diane had a way of making everyday moments feel meaningful and memorable.

A dedicated member of her church community, Diane was a founding member of the original orchestra at North Valley Baptist Church in Santa Clara, California, and faithfully shared her musical gifts for decades. Her love for music, especially the clarinet, became a signature part of her life. Her presence in the orchestra and church ministries brought joy and inspiration to those around her. Diane also devoted her time to nurturing and teaching the younger generation. Whether serving in children's church, Sunday school, or other ministries, she had a gift for guiding and encouraging young hearts.

Diane had a remarkable ability to maintain meaningful relationships over the years, keeping in touch with those she cared about and always offering a kind word or encouragement. Her thoughtfulness and genuine interest in others built bonds that lasted a lifetime.

She was a licensed optometrist and office manager.

Her life was a beautiful reflection of love, kindness, and quiet faithfulness, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law Annette and Dave Maxwell of Sunnyvale, CA; her grandchildren Joshua Fitzpatrick (Amber) of Pleasanton, CA, Jonathan Fitzpatrick (Carla Hart) of Fair Oaks, CA, Angela Malato and great grandson Josiah of Sunnyvale, CA; daughter and son-in-law Dawn and John Ward of Hixson, TN; granddaughters Abigail and Alexandra Ward of Hixson, TN; step-daughter Kate Harper (Peter Mui) of Berkeley, CA. She has dozens of nephews and nieces left to cherish her memory.

The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation and sincerest thanks to her best friend, Brenda Brock, for her friendship during the last decade and her amazing support for Diane and the family during her illness. We are also extremely grateful for Hearth Hospice and the wonderful support people there, especially Janet, Brandi, and

Abby. A special thank you is also extended to caregivers Angie and Carla who both made the end days so much easier for the family!

Funeral service for Diane will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 5:00pm at Hamilton Funeral Home located at 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson TN. The viewing will be from 4:00-5:00p on Saturday. Refreshments will be available at Bible Baptist Church for all attendees immediately after the service (1966 Northpoint Boulevard, Hixson, TN).

True to her generous spirit, Diane would be "tickled pink" to have her well-loved chocolate chip cookie recipe shared here for others to enjoy.

Diane's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

· ¾ cup packed brown sugar

· ½ cup Crisco shortening

· 1 large egg

· 1 teaspoon vanilla

· ¼ teaspoon baking soda

· ¼ teaspoon salt

· 1 cup + 2 tablespoons flour

· 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

· ½–1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions Cream together the brown sugar, shortening, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Add the baking soda, salt, and flour, mixing thoroughly. Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. Drop by spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° for 8–12 minutes, until the cookies no longer look wet. Enjoy!