Diane Baldwin

BALDWIN, Diane

Diane Lynn Baldwin, 79, of Knoxville, Tennessee, died peacefully on November 1, 2025. Born July 9, 1946, in Atlanta, Diane graduated with honors from Dykes High School and earned a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Georgia. She earned her first Master's Degree in Library Science from Georgia State University and, after moving to Tennessee in 1978, completed additional master's degrees at the University of Tennessee. Diane excelled academically throughout her life and was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority and the Phi Delta Kappa Honors Society. She was also a proud member of the Tennessee Reading Association. Diane devoted her career to librarianship and teaching children of all ages, with a special emphasis on diagnosing and supporting students with reading challenges. Widely respected for her patience, methodical approach, and tireless advocacy for literacy, she helped many young readers gain confidence and succeed in school. Diane, who was known as "Moonie" by her immediate family, was a lover of animals and the natural world. She was an accomplished gardener, gourmet cook, and avid outdoorswoman. Her favorite pastimes included hiking, camping, sailing, sewing, and spelunking. She was a member of the Knoxville Ski Club and Sailing Club. Diane had an innate ability with animals and mothered many homeless cats and dogs. She was a philanthropist and supported The National Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy, The National Parks Foundation and the ASPCA. She retired to Cashiers, NC, where she built a beautiful home and enjoyed time with friends. Loyal, caring, and compassionate, Diane brought warmth and steadiness to everyone she knew. She is survived by her daughter, Stacey Em Jackson; her son, Jeffrey Chandler Jackson; her grandson, Jackson Luke Shrader; and her sister, Peggy Ann Nelson. She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Cook Pattillo; and her mother, Emily Virginia Chandler. A memorial service to celebrate Diane's life will be held in the Spring of 2026, with the date, time, and location to be determined. Please email DianeMemorial@yahoo.com to receive details. You can also check Facebook or contact family for information. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a literacy or animal-welfare organization of your choice in Diane's memory.