Daphin Dianne Polston

Daphin Dianne Brown Polston of Bonifay, Florida passed away on July 16, 2025 at the age of 73 with her beloved husband of 54 years by her side. Dianne was born on November 1, 1951 in Hartford, Alabama to the late George and Daphin Urquhart Brown and graduated from Bethlehem High School in 1969. After graduating from high school, she married the love of her life, Larry Gene Polston, on January 22, 1971. Dianne went on to become a mother to their one and only child, Charity, born March 11, 1973.

Dianne realized she had a calling for education as early as her Highschool years and first used her gifts as a children's pastor at the Bayview Church of God of Prophecy. She also began helping as a teacher's aide at Bethlehem Elementary School. It was later in life when Dianne went back to school to pursue her love of education and ministry to children. While juggling the trials of motherhood, marriage, work and life, she studied at Troy State University to become a school teacher. She graduated from Troy State in 1987 with a B.A. in Elementary Education. Dianne accepted her first teaching position at the old Prosperity K-6 School from 1987 to 1989. After it closed, she then accepted a teaching position at Popular Springs in 1989, teaching kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades throughout her 27 years until retirement in 2016 due to her health. She was an educator whose heart was devoted to teaching the children of Holmes County. She was also a woman whose heart was devoted to her family, friends, and especially her love for the Lord.

Dianne and Larry enjoyed traveling and going to historical parts of the United States and often traveled with their 3 grandchildren, Tavis, Kavan, and Annaliese. Dianne loved anywhere that was outdoors with natural beauty and breathtaking scenery - from bustling cities to stunning natural landscapes. She found joy and inspiration in exploring all parts of the United States and its diverse cultures and cuisine.

In addition to her parents, Dianne was preceded in death by her daughter, Charity Amanda Polston Wilkes.

Dianne is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Larry Gene Polston; son-in-law, Daniel Scott Wilkes of Dallas, TX; three grandchildren: grandsons, Christopher Tavis Wilkes and Andrew Kavan Wilkes, and granddaughter, Annaliese Grace Wilkes, of Dallas, TX; and one sister, Trish and husband, Harold Pitts of Donalsonville, GA.

A celebration of Life service will be 2:30 P.M. Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Carmel Assembly of God Church with Pastors Jerry Moore and Tommy Moore officiating. Burial will follow in Union Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with Marianna Chapel Funeral Home directing.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 12:30 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. at the church.

Those serving as pallbearers will be: Edsel Urquhart, Anthony Jones, Todd Ballard, Wade Baxley, Tavis Wilkes and Kavan Wilkes.

Flowers will be omitted. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Fund at Carmel Assembly of God Church (1485 Carmel Church Rd. Bonifay, FL 32425) or to The Gideons International (P.O. Box 140800 Nashville, TN 37214).

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Lambe Family at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home.