Diana Cheryl Gill, age 71, was born on April 2, 1953 in Paterson, NJ, to the late Charlie and Lillie Bell Odum. She was the 5th born of 9 siblings. Diana grew up in Dixie, GA, in the loving home of her late grandmother, Cornelia Mitchell, who raised her and who Diana loved dearly. Diana made her final transition, peacefully and quietly, on January 30, 2025 at 4:00 am.

Diana attended Brooks County High School in Quitman, GA ( home of the Trojans), and graduated in 1971. She always had a love for helping others, and after graduating high school, she decided to return to Paterson, NJ where she pursued her dream of being a DayCare Provider for preschoolers and an In-home Healthcare Specialist for adults. She enjoyed a long and rewarding career until she retired.

It was also here in Paterson, NJ where Diana met the love of her life and her beloved husband, the late Benjamin Ray Gill, affectionately known as Duke. They were joined together in Holy Matrimony on May 8, 1988 and the two of them were inseparable until his passing. From this union one child was born, Andre Jahmal Gill, who was born on October 26, 1978. Shortly after losing Duke, Diana decided to relocate to Quitman, GA.

Diana was very passionate about her family and for bringing her family together. She is responsible for starting the Gosier/Mitchell Family Gathering, which is held every year since 1996. This is an event where the family’s come together, from near and far to connect, reconnect, fellowship and meet new family members. It’s now up to Diana’s family to continue what she started. In her honor, the Gosier/Mitchell Family Gathering will continue.

Diana was best known for her superb cooking skills. She was everybody’s favorite cook. Her meals were always the highlight of any occasion, and no matter what she cooked, you knew it was gonna be good! You often heard, “nobody can cook like Diana”, and they were right. NOBODY could cook like Diana. We’re all going to miss her delicious meals.

Diana was preceded in death by her loving husband Benjamin Ray Gill. She leaves to mourn her memory: her one and only son Andre Jahmal Gill (Tiffany); 2 granddaughters:Ajaye Kamarri Gill (aka Pumpkin), Ayana Dnae Gill (aka Yani); Grandson Andre Jahmal Gill Jr. (aka J.R.); Michelle Hargrove (Andre's sister); and Benjamin Ray Hargrove (Andre's Brother); Diana leaves behind 4 sisters: Gwendolyn Frierson, Doris F. Mosley (John), Regina Branch, Cornelia Odum; 2 brothers: Charlie Chris Odum, Benny James Odum (Betty); acquired sons: Harrison ‘Harry’ Holmes, Riccardo ‘RJ’ Jones, Michael ‘Pitt’ Pittman, Donald ‘Chicago’ Hudson and Ahmad ‘Mourn’ Belton.

Special recognition to Zearline ‘Carol’ Pittman (cousin), Alice Pace (cousin), Thomas Gosier (cousin), Evelyn Townes (sister-in-love), Betty Odum (sister-in-love), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Diana was a beautiful person, inside and out. She cared so deeply for her family and the people around her. She will be forever missed. Rest Peacefully, Diana

Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Diana Cheryl Gill will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Beulah Hill Baptist Church, Dixie, GA. Burial: Church Cemetery.

Professional Services entrusted to Blankumsee, Thomas & Wright Funeral Services of Quitman, Georgia