Diann S. Mendel, 73, entered peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, during the late afternoon hours of Friday, March 13, 2026.
Diann was born in Macon, Georgia, on December 16, 1952, to the late Frank H. Shave, Jr. and Jo Marsene Howard Davis. She was a lifelong resident of Warner Robins and remained a devoted member of the community throughout her life.
Diann was a proud graduate of Warner Robins High School. She later continued her education at Mercer University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. She faithfully served her country in Civil Service at Robins Air Force Base before choosing early retirement to devote herself fully to raising and caring for the family she loved so dearly.
A woman of deep faith, Diann was a member of Second Baptist Church, then Central Baptist Church, before becoming a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Centerville. She especially cherished her years teaching Sunday school, faithfully serving her church family for 15 years and sharing her love of Scripture with others.
In her free time, Diann found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved cooking and baking for those she cared about, reading her Bible, watching baseball, and most of all spending time with her beloved family. Her warm heart, steady faith, and caring spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepsiblings, Patty Purvis and Alan Davis.
Diann’s memory will forever be treasured by her loving husband of 43 years, Gary Mendel; her son, Dustin Mendel; and her cherished grandchildren, Connor and Colleen Mendel, all of Warner Robins. She is also survived by her brother, Gary Shave (Shirley) of Bonaire; stepbrothers, Steven Davis (Vicki) of Bonaire and Michael Davis (Sandy) of Cumming; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will continue to celebrate her life and legacy.
Her life was a testament to faith, family, and love, and she leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Visitation with Diann’s family will take place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home with a funeral service immediately following at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home with Reverend Don Feezor, Chaplain Jerry Bisping, and Dr. Phil West officiating. Diann will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery after the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Diann to First Baptist Church of Centerville, 108 Church St., Centerville, GA 31028.
For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.
McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
417 South Houston Lake Road, Warner Robins, GA 31088

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