Diana G. Windham, (Diney) of Gainesville, FL, died peacefully at home on April 10, 2025.

Born on March 10, 1934 to Russell and Eva Goff in Live Oak, Diana grew up in McAlpin, FL, attended both Florida State University and the University of Florida.  She graduated from Florida State University in 1956 and began her 39-year career, reaching 3 generations, as an elementary school teacher. A believer that one should never stop learning, in 1985 she completed her Master's Degree from Nova University and focused on remedial reading programs for elementary students until she retired in 1996.

Diana was married to her high-school sweetheart, Jimmy Ray Windham for 53 years; they made a home with three daughters in Mayo. Diana was an active member of the Mayo Baptist Church, the Mayo Woman's Club, and Alpha Delta Kappa. She moved to Gainesville in 2019 and quickly became active in her new community.

With a deep belief that every child should learn to read and be able to explore the world through books, she also helped countless adults learn those basic skills.  Her love of teaching reached beyond the classroom in the community as well as into her kitchen and sewing room. Known as a great listener and trusted confidante, she continued to mentor and offer guidance to not only her students, but to family, friends, and so many others. This mentorship most often took place at the kitchen table, over a cup of coffee (preferably piping hot) or a glass of tea.

Diana was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Ray, and daughter, Lynne Windham.  She is survived by daughters Lisa Windham Wolfe (Gainesville), Laurie Windham (Mount Dora), granddaughter Savanna Windham Gutapfel (Neptune Beach), and extended family.

The family will hold a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, at New Hope Baptist Cemetery, off County Road 354 and Old Bridge Road, with Pastor Jimmy Legg, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor Diana can be made to Haven Hospice or St. Jude Children's Hospital. Donate Now – The Haven Foundation – Haven Hospice, Online Donations - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/

Haven Hospice Foundation
Web: https://havenhospice.com/donate