Cynthia Diane Box

Diane Box, 89, born May 2, 1936, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 17, 2026. She was a cherished wife, mother and friend, and her absence will be deeply felt by many. Of this we are certain: she is healed and at peace, uplifted by our prayers, and safe in the presence of the Lord. Diane is survived by her husband of 69 years, James (Jim) Ellis Box, Jr.; children: Brent Box (Cheryl), Becky Davis (Don), Mark Box (Michelle), Craig Box (Elizabeth); grandchildren: Drew Davis (Cindy), Kristin Nine (Brent), Laura Estes (Tanner), Mariel McKenney (Clayton), J.B. Box, MaryBeth Box, John David Box (Reagan), Erin Box (Heny Patel), Zane Box, Patrick Box, C.J. Box, Kevin Box, Caroline Box; great-grandchildren: Lucas Davis, Emory Davis, Aidan Nine, Adeline Nine, Everly Estes, Ledger Estes, Luke McKenney, McKay McKenney, and many treasured friends and family. Diane grew up in rural Nixon, Texas, with her brother Walter Thomas Weber and her parents Robbie (Hattenbach) and Thomas Earle Weber, a cattleman and business owner. She learned a love of education from her mother, who taught in Nixon for many years. After graduating from Nixon High School, Diane attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College for two years, then transferred to Texas Tech University to complete her undergraduate studies. She subsequently completed her Masters in Food and Nutrition at Utah State University. She and Jim began their married lives in Lubbock, Texas. They then moved to Logan, Utah, Big Spring, Texas, and Amarillo, Texas, before settling in Athens in 1965. Diane was an engaging and passionate teacher who began her career teaching second grade at Fowler Drive Elementary School. She continued her education and received an Educational Specialist degree from the University of Georgia. She was an avid Bulldog fan. She worked for the Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency and finished her career in 1997 as the assistant principal at Kennedy Elementary in Barrow County. Diane shared a passion for travel with her husband, Jim and together they went to many countries across the globe including Israel, China, Australia and New Zealand. Europe was one of her favorite destinations, particularly when the Christmas Markets were open in Germany, France and Austria. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she enjoyed shopping in the markets for unique Christmas decorations for their large tree at home. She delighted in trimming the tree and could always give a detailed origin story for each ornament. Diane was proud of her Texas heritage. She was a member of the Descendants of Stephen F. Austin’s OLD 300 Colony, the original settlers of Austin’s Texas colony, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Diane was involved in many local organizations. She was an active member of First Baptist Church Athens. She was a Master Gardener and enjoyed volunteering at the State Botanical Garden and tending her own yard and flower beds. She was a past president of the University Woman’s Club. She was also a member of P.E.O., Gourmet Lunch Club, and many bridge groups. She greatly loved watching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow and prosper. Her legacy of faith and love of family, education and nature will continue to live on in those she has left behind.

A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church, 355 Pulaski Street, Athens, Georgia, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 3:00 pm preceded by a visitation at 1:00 - 2:50 pm. Interment will be in Oconee Hill cemetery.

In lieu of, or in addition to flowers, please consider donations in her memory to either: First Baptist Church of Athens, Seekers Ministry 355 Pulaski Street Athens, Georgia 30601 or University Woman’s Club Scholarship Fund University Woman's Club P.O. Box 80406 Athens, Georgia 30608

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, East, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com