Diane Mayes Obituary

MAYES (Neely), Diane

Diane Neely Mayes, 89, passed away February 9, 2024, after a lengthy illness. Born in Atlanta on May 26, 1934, she was the daughter of Amos and Nina Neely. Diane was predeceased by her husband, Edwin Thom Mayes; and daughter, Lynn Mayes Fitzgerald. She is survived by her cherished daughter, Lisa Mayes Lark; granddaughter, Jessica Fitzgerald Clark (Adam); and great-granddaughters, Isabella, Sophia and Amelia. She is also survived by her beloved twin sister, Annette Neely King; nephews, Timothy (Cathy) and Stephen (Susan) McElhannon; and son-in-law, Mike Fitzgerald.

After living and working in Atlanta for many years, Diane and Thom moved to Demorest, Georgia. They spent the rest of their lives there in a historic home that was originally built in 1895 as a church. With an innate sense of style and a keen eye for decorating and design, Diane assisted Thom in his architectural firm. Together they raised two loving daughters whom they adored. Diane was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville, where she served until ill health prevented her from participating. Diane was loved and admired by her family and many friends. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Jack Gale, Diane's friend and neighbor who was so dear to her, especially during her illness.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Mar. 10, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Diane Mayes

9 Entries

Phylecia Wilson

April 28, 2025

How I miss this precious lady! So many memories of her and Thom at church services and events. They were such an elegant couple and always dressed to the nines!! She and I enjoyed many lunches and dinners together after Thom passed. She LOVED to go out to eat!

I miss our outings to Gainesville, sweet Diane, but I've no doubt that you are engaging everyone in Heaven with your beautiful smile and personality.

Annette

February 14, 2025

My darling Sister. I miss you so much, but I know you are well and happy now and we will be together again someday. I love you .

Tim McElhannon

March 19, 2024

I was fortunate to have Diane in my life and am thankful to have so many terrific memories of her. She was my Mom's twin sister and we were a very close family, especially growing up. I remember vacations together, sleepovers at her house and many great holidays and reunions with grandparents and extended family. Diane was a beautiful, classy lady with a wonderful sense of style. She loved her family and we all loved her back. She is missed by all of us.

Phylecia Wilson

March 17, 2024

Gracious, beautiful, kind are only three of the many complimentary words that could be used to describe Diane. I met her and Thom at Clarkesville First Presbyterian in the early 2000s. After Thom passed, we would go to lunch a couple times a year until COVID came along. She loved The Attic. More recently, we would go to lunch before or after a medical appointment in Gainesville. She was a dear, sweet person, always thinking of others.

I miss her sweet smile and the thoughtful email messages she would send. RIP dear friend. I hope you and Thom are having a ball together in heaven.

Kent Tench

March 11, 2024

I loved Miss Mayes. I went to high school with her daughters Lisa and Lynn. Miss Mayes and I attended Truett McConnell College at the same time. We had blast and enjoyed loved her. After Truett I became a hairdresser and did Miss Mayes hair for years. She would let me do her hair any color and we did them all. She also let me do some extreme haircuts. Miss Mayes even modeled for me in a hair show. She will always be one of the most beautiful women I have ever known and was as sweet as she was beautiful.

Annette King

March 10, 2024

Diane, my twin sister, was my best friend and soulmate for almost ninety years. I look forward to when we meet again in our forever Home.

Denise and Mike Fitzgerald

March 10, 2024

Diane was such a gracious woman. I truly enjoyed her company. She always had a positive outlook and surrounded everyone with love. We will truly miss her.

Annette King

March 5, 2024

My beloved twin sister, Diane, grew up first in Decatur, GA, and she lived in and around Atlanta until she and Thom moved to Demorest, Ga. With her keen eye for design and decorating, Diane assisted her late husband, Edwin Thom Mayes in his career as an architect. Together they raised two beautiful daughters, the late Lynn Mayes Fitzgerald and Lisa Mayes Lark. Diane was a Christian who loved attending and serving in the Presbyterian Church in Demorest until her health no longer allowed her to serve. We grew up in a loving home as the only two children of the late Amos and Nina Barrett Neely. Diane and I were best friends and soul mates. We supported each other throughout our lives, and I know we will meet again in our Heavenly Home.

Jessica Clark

March 5, 2024

I was Thom and Diane´s grandchild for which I am selfishly grateful. Grateful I didn´t have to share them. Diane impressed upon me an appreciation and love of art, the importance of laughing at oneself easily and often, to never reject a compliment but more importantly, to always genuinely return it.

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