Diane Gray Leonard

Diane Gray Leonard, age 89, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026. Born on April 7, 1937, Diane lived a life marked by unwavering faith, boundless love, creativity, and a genuine joy for the people around her. In her final moments, she was surrounded by the love of her beloved granddaughters, Maegan and Faith, who remained faithfully by her side.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. James Gray and Dolly Gray; her husband, Arthur Leonard; and her daughters, Kimberly D. Pudwell and Stefanie Kingsley. She is lovingly remembered by her granddaughters, Maegan Pudwell and her wife, Ashley; Faith Pudwell; Sarah Kingsley; and Mary Kingsley; her great-grandson, Hayden Poladian; and her cherished feline companions, Meso and Sadie.

Family was the center of Diane’s world. After the passing of her daughter Kim, she helped raise her granddaughters, Maegan and Faith, providing them with steadfast love, guidance, and encouragement. In the closing months of Diane’s life, Faith devoted herself to caring for her beloved “Grams” with extraordinary tenderness, returning the same unconditional love Diane had so freely given throughout her life.

Diane graduated from Morris Harvey College where she met her husband Art in a Dance class. Diane began her career as a mathematics teacher before answering a different calling through her work with the Department of Family and Children’s Services. Whether in the classroom or serving families in need, she approached her work with compassion, wisdom, and a sincere desire to help others.

Blessed with both an analytical mind and an artistic spirit, Diane found great joy in quilting and other creative pursuits. She was smart, feisty, and full of life, with a quick wit and an infectious laugh that made every gathering brighter.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation upon which she built her life. As a longtime member of 12Stone Church, Diane faithfully served in children’s ministry, delighting in sharing God’s love with young hearts. She treasured Scripture and often wrote favorite Bible verses on index cards to carry with her or display around her home as daily reminders of God’s promises. Among her most cherished verses was Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Diane never met a stranger. She possessed a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, turning acquaintances into lifelong friends with her warm smile, genuine interest in others, and legendary hugs. She delighted in life’s simple pleasures—listening to sad country songs, watching cheerful Hallmark movies, and spending leisurely afternoons at the Webb Gin Starbuckswith her “adopted daughter” Mary. Although she always brought along her Kindle, those who knew her best would smile and say she spent far more time talking than reading. The Starbucks baristas and the associates at Snellville Plato’s Closet became “her babies,” just as so many others did throughout her life.

Diane also treasured the special times she shared with her granddaughter Faith attending Red Hat Society activities alongside her dear friend Laura. Their friendship was filled with laughter, affection, and Diane’s playful teasing, which Laura graciously endured because it was simply Diane’s way of showing love.

Diane’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, fierce love for her family, joyful friendship, and compassionate service. She leaves behind countless lives made brighter by her kindness, her laughter, her generous heart, and her unforgettable hugs. If you were fortunate enough to receive one of Diane’s hugs, you knew you were loved. While those who loved her will miss her deeply, they find comfort and peace in knowing she is now home with her Savior, whom she loved and served so faithfully throughout her life. Today, we imagine Diane receiving the greatest hug of all as she is welcomed home by her Savior.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Diane’s beloved 12Stone Church, Lawrenceville Campus, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Chris Huff presiding. The church is located at 1322 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30043.