Diane Williams

Judith Diane Williams, lovingly known as Diane, passed away on January 30, 2026, in Springfield, MO at the age of 76. Diane was born on May 16, 1949, in Tippah County, MS.

Diane was the daughter of George F. Graves and Mary Louise (Edge) Graves. After graduating from Ripley High School she began working and became a mom to her beautiful children. As her children grew, Diane furthered her own education at Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville, MS, earning a degree in nursing, a profession that perfectly suited her selfless and caring nature. Her career as a nurse spanned various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and the health department. Diane had a special heart for the elderly, treating each patient with dignity and compassion as if they were her own family.

Diane married her sweetheart, Bobby Williams, on December 12, 1992, in a festive Christmas-themed wedding held in Ripley, MS, at the home of Bobby's sister. Diane's devotion to her family was limitless. As a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, she brought joy and comfort into the lives of her family. Her sweet spirit and love abounded outside her family circle, encompassing so many others that she adopted as family.

After retirement, Diane and Bobby moved to Forsyth, a quiet town that reminded them of home in Mississippi and their own little Mayberry. Diane loved Branson entertainment and going to music shows. Her life was also a testament to her faith as a steadfast member of the Branson Gospel Evangelistic Center in Branson. Fondly referred to as the "Cookie Mama," Diane took delight in baking and was famous for spoiling entertainers at the music shows, family members, and her church family with her delicious cookies. She had the gift of hospitality and got great joy out of cooking and keeping everyone well fed.

Her essence was one of generosity, and selflessness. She was a woman full of love and her cup overflowed pouring out her love onto others. To Bobby, she was "the best there ever was" and he considered himself a lucky many. To her family, she was a woman of abounding, unconditional love; and to her community, a selfless, beloved mama figure.

Until a Heavenly reunion, Diane will be deeply missed by her husband, Bobby Williams of Forsyth; her children, James Grady (Tonya) of Forsyth, Melissa Edge of Powersite, Jason Grady of Forsyth, and Melinda Clark of Mississippi; her sister, Mary Souders of Mississippi, and her adoring grandchildren, Mallory Grady, Corey, Jacob Edge, Laura Beth Edge, Chase Grady, Logan (Joey) Samples, and Morgan Clark, as well as her cherished great-grandchildren, Alexis, Vayln, Ella, Brantley, Parker, Gracie, River Tate, Cameron, Jaxon, Adrian and Griffin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Randy Graves; and son, Greg Williams.

A celebration of Diane's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at the Branson Gospel Evangelistic Center, 3090 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson, MO 65616.

Cremation arrangements were in the care of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson.